Indians originally occupied the San Bernardino Valley. In the early 1800s, the two tribes documented by the first outside explorers were the Serranos and the Cahullia Indians. Existing evidence indicates that Indian tribes may have dwelled in the San Bernardino Valley for more than 4000 years. Hikers can still take a trip to the Lake Arrowhead area and explore the Indian mortars at a site called Rock Camp.

One of the most famous attractions in the Inland Valley is the Arrowhead, a natural landmark easily seen near the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. The Arrowhead is 1,115 feet in length and 396 feet in width. Though the outline is so perfect it may appear to be man-made or artificial, the phenomenon is, in fact, natural. Many legends exist about the Arrowhead. The most ancient legend, perhaps, is one handed down from the Indians. The story goes that the Great Spirit had an arrow, which, like the Israelite’s Pillar of Fire, was to guide them to the spot where they were to live. The Great Spirit having selected the place, fixed the arrow to mark it forever.