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Heaps Peak Arboretum Day Use Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 850 Google reviews · Running trail in Skyforest, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Heaps Peak Arboretum Day Use Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wooded area with trails for strolling, a picnic area and a collection of native trees.
What runners say about Heaps Peak Arboretum Day Use Area
“It was absolutely beautiful and had a well maintained hiking path.”
“It is especially beautiful during spring and summer, but we stopped in during late February.”
“Heaps Park was an easy trail hike for the entire family.”
The hubs and I took our pups here on Labor Day.. We arrived around 8am and did the whole hike and it took about an hour with a couple of stops to just enjoy the scenery. This place is BEAUTIFUL! The trees are massive and majestic! The different smells in the air from the trees was delightful!
Beautiful. Example of restored beauty. Nice hike with shaded areas and a dirt path. Not colorful but it was July. The “Footprints Trail” would be fun for children with various animal footprints in cement. National Park Adventure Pass for parking was recommend but not enforced (sold at booth).
Heaps Park was an easy trail hike for the entire family. It’s less than a mile and it has lots of birds that are very present. My crew did multiple laps for the exercise. I would call this a beginner hike for sure. Be sure to pay for parking (it’s super cheap). The park provides easy pay access by phone.
A small but good arboretum nestled in the hills just above Lake Arrowhead. Worth a visit to see local species in their natural environment. There’s a grove of giant sequoias that were planted around 1930.
Trail conditions & character
“It is especially beautiful during spring and summer, but we stopped in during late February.”
“The parking pass is $5 all day for all the eligible trails but I don't know if there are many other trails eligible near this one.”
“Short enough to do it with young kids and dogs on leash.”
“A really relaxing, short loop trail just off the Rim of the World Highway, slightly east of Lake Arrowhead.”
“The tall trees provide good shade so walking mid-day in summer is fine, but do wear sunscreen.”
“There’s a water fountain at the start of the trail but it wasn’t working when we arrived.”
Plan your run at Heaps Peak Arboretum Day Use Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitehparboretum.com
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Skyforest
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Will Abell Memorial Trail at Arrowhead Ridge
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Shaded hiking area featuring views of Lake Arrowhead and peaceful surroundings.
Pinnacles Trail 3W16
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Borea Canyon Trailhead
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