Heaps Peak Arboretum

Heaps Peak Arboretum is located in the San Bernardino National Forest.  I haven’t been there in years but it’s one of those places I revisit every now and then.  I confess my expectations weren’t high for this trip.  I had thought I was looking for a garden lush with tulips and daffodils, all the cultivated flowers that herald spring, but somehow my car took me east toward the mountains to a totally different kind of place.

I wanted to vary my route so I took CA 330 out of Highland and joined up with CA 18.  The drive was easy, with plenty of turnouts for slow moving traffic.  I wound my way around the curves and watched as the signs ticked off my climb from around 1000 feet above sea level to 6000 feet and my destination.

I parked and placed my America the Beautiful pass in the window.  The Forest Service requires one have an Adventure Pass ($5.00) or one of the National Park passes like I have. I don’t know how strictly this would have been enforced as there was no one in attendance and I was the only car around.

Heaps Peak Arboretum is all about the forest.  There’s a short self-guided trail which I took.  It’s about three quarters of a mile long and an easy walk.  My daughter managed it when she was 3-years-old.  It’s very easy.

I came to Joe’s Creek but there wasn’t any water.  To my surprise there was snow on the ground.  This north facing slope must always be shaded.  That was a treat.  I thought winter had left the mountains.

I had the place to myself, well myself and the birds.  It was glorious. There are several different pines as well as a grove of sequoia. The deciduous trees were bare and there wasn’t a single wildflower to be seen.  Oak leaves were scattered everywhere.  No doubt the birds and ground squirrels appreciate the acorns.  Did everything look seer because of winter or because of the drought?  I’ve no idea.

The strangest animal I encountered didn’t move at all but he struck a formidable pose. The sight of this dinosaur reminded me just how perfect Heaps Peak Arboretum is for a family adventure.

I sure did enjoy the hour or so I spent slowing wending my way through the forest.  Obviously I needed to get away from the city.  It was a wonderful way to spend some time.