Located on the hills above San Bernardino, the Arrowhead has been an important landmark for centuries and a symbol of the San Bernardino Valley to Native Indians and later to pioneers and settlers. Believed to be a natural feature though its true origin is unknown, its distinctive shape is visible because white sage growing inside the arrowhead contrasts sharply with the darker chaparral and greasewood outside. Indians who inhabited the San Bernardino Valley believed the arrowhead pointed the way to the hot mineral springs below, with healing qualities, and considered it holy ground. Over the years, many fires have burned the landmark and caused erosion, leading to the construction of check dams and the planting of bushes to help slow erosion and preserve the Arrowhead outline.