LEARN ABOUT ALL HIGHLANDER FORMATS
Highlander Ursa Major
HIGHLANDER Ursa Major takes you on a 101 mile long backpacking journey that lasts for 5 days.
Step into the ultimate backpacking experience. This format is reserved for the toughest ones who are truly ready to undertake that kind of challenge.
Since you will need to backpack for 101 miles during 5 days, this challenge is for those who are truly ready and have finished some of the following in the past 2 years: Long Distance hike 5+ days (e.g. PCT, CDT, Appalachian Trail, etc.), Spartan Ultra (finisher), Spartan Trail or any other Trail Race - 50+ miles finisher or HIGHLANDER Hercules.
You will backpack your way around Big Bear Lake, visiting all the highest peaks and the deepest creeks. The terrain’s toughness will leave you breathless, and the views will take your breath away. Test your endurance on different terrains - from desertic Cactus Flats to climbing up and down the Sugarloaf Mountain.
Through this trail you'll put your body through the ultimate fitness challenge that will also change your mental set up and make you appreciate the simple things in life more.
This challenge will not be a walk in the park. It's an Adventure of a Lifetime reserved only for those physically ready to take it on.
HIGHLANDER Ursa Major is the largest northern constellation and its name in Latin means greater bear.
SAVE THE DATE
05/24 – 05/28/2023
Highlander Hercules
HIGHLANDER Hercules is a 65 miles long backpacking adventure that lasts for 5 days.
Explore 65 miles of South California's favorite outdoor destination known for its awe-worthy nature like never before – through a 5-day mountaineering festival!
Located approximately 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest - Big Bear Lake is a perfect outdoor location for a good reason. Its shimmering lake, untouched forests, and endless blue sky are the perfect backdrop for your Adventure of a Lifetime.
Wildlife flourishes in Big Bear's alpine forest environment. The towering forests are home not only to the majestic bald eagles but also to bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and numerous other species. About 29 species of rare plants, ten indigenous to the area, are protected in the Valley.
You will need to complete this stellar adventure in five days, with a maximum of four nights spent bivouacking on designated campsites under the most amazing starry skies. Shake up your routine and get out of the city to find your better self in the heart of Big Bear Lake.
HIGHLANDER Hercules got its name after the Roman mythological hero adapted from the Greek hero Heracles. It is also the second-largest northern constellation.
SAVE THE DATE
05/24 – 05/28/2023
Highlander Hercules 3-day
HIGHLANDER Hercules 3-day is a 65 miles long backpacking adventure that lasts for 3 days.
Offering 65 miles of breathtaking views, heights, and exploration, participants will tour the hidden gems of Big Bear Lake, venturing to the most desirable points of interest including Keller Peak Lookout, Hannah Rocks, Jacoby Canyon, Old Gold Mine, Deadman Ridge, and Trail head Sugarloaf.
Apart from it being an amazing backpacking journey, the festival program will make it an Adventure of a Lifetime. At each checkpoint, the participants will feel the festival vibe of the event by joining educational lectures, yoga classes, or simply sitting under starry sky listening to live music playing into the night.
Participants will truly experience HIGHLANDER Hercules once they come to the checkpoint, pitch their tents and simply look up at the most stunning dark sky glistening with billions of stars making up some of the most fascinating constellations.
Since you will need to backpack for 65 miles during 3 days, this challenge is for those who are truly ready and have finished some of the following in the past 2 years: Long Distance hike 5+ days (e.g. PCT, CDT, Appalachian Trail, etc.), Spartan Ultra (finisher), Spartan Trail or any other Trail Race - 50+ miles finisher or HIGHLANDER Hercules.
HIGHLANDER Hercules got its name after the Roman mythological hero adapted from the Greek hero Heracles. It is also the second-largest northern constellation.
SAVE THE DATE
05/25 – 05/27/2023
Highlander Pegasus
HIGHLANDER Pegasus, a 3-day backpacking Adventure of a Lifetime, takes you through 34 miles of unforgettable trails.
A 3-day backpacking adventure in Big Bear's magical spring scenes will take you to 34 miles of new horizons.
If you want to challenge yourself while enjoying some nature exploration and socializing with the backpacking community – this is a format for you! Through this trail, you will spend a maximum of three days admiring the visual splendor of autumn hues and sleep two nights in the serenity of nature.
Even though Big Bear Lake is a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and three from San Diego – it's still somewhat of a hidden gem. It lies in a valley, unsurpassed in mountain beauty, hidden lakes, and abundant wildlife. Big Bear is home to one of the nation's few solar observatories and alpine zoos for injured wildlife.
All year round, Big Bear Lake offers larger-than-life adventures in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains for winter and summer sports enthusiasts, as well as harbor for city dwellers to relax and enjoy the beauty of the picturesque vistas.
During these three days and two nights, you will make life-long memories hiking the Big Bear Lake trails.
This format is named after a constellation in the northern sky, named after the winged horse Pegasus in Greek mythology. It is easily recognisable because it is dominated by a prominent asterism known as the Great Square.
SAVE THE DATE
05/26 – 05/28/2023
Highlander Orion
As the shortest format, HIGHLANDER Orion will take you to a 18 mile long route during 2 days.
Leave your worries behind for a weekend as you escape to 18 miles of mountain trails with HIGHLANDER Orion.
It will take you just a few hours of driving to escape the vibrant cities of Southern California to come to one of America's most accessible mountain destinations: Big Bear Lake. This idyllic alpine town is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, and families looking for a weekend adventure in the open air or simply an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Breathtaking nature, tranquil hideaways, and the Adventure of a Lifetime await when you venture into the untamed wilderness around Big Bear Lake. You will enjoy the scenery seen in classic movies, such as Gone with the Wind and Heidi.
So this adventure is ideal if you want to complete your backpacking adventure throughout the weekend. Thanks to the abundance of nature preserves and the fact that the area gets over 300 days of sunshine each year, wildlife encounters occur frequently.
The shortest HIGHLANDER format allows you to experience the HIGHLANDER spirit and inspires you to continue the backpacking lifestyle. Over two days, you will explore part of the San Bernardino Mountains and bivouac under the starry Californian sky. This format takes place during a weekend.
Orion is a prominent constellation located on the celestial equator and visible throughout the world. It is one of the most conspicuous and recognisable constellations in the night sky.
SAVE THE DATE
05/27 – 05/28/2023
REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
- Food packages (including cooked meals, backpacking food, ready-to-eat food and easy to prepare food) and water at campgrounds
- HIGHLANDER Ranger on campgrounds
- Camping Gas Cartridge
- HIGHLANDER ID – detailed itinerary showing checkpoint (with dedicated checkpoint stamp areas)
- HIGHLANDER Maps – detailed maps of the route
- Hiker tag, Luggage tag, and other Kit items
- HIGHLANDER Merino wool bandana
- HIGHLANDER Pin
- HIGHLANDER Patch
- HIGHLANDER Certificate
- Educational and leisure activities
- Infrastructure provided at the start, finish, checkpoints, and along the route
- All necessary permits
- Participant Insurance covered by Spot Injury Insurance
