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Temperatures from 40°F to 80°F

We recommend you backpack around 125 miles during the months leading to the event. During your physical preparations, don't forget to test the gear also.

The climate of Big Bear Lake is moderate. The winters are cold and snowy, while summers are sunny and warm during the day but cool at night. Since the event will take place in summer, expect plenty of sunshine and small chances of precipitation. The climate is a high desert at 7,000 ft of altitude which means dry air and strong sun exposure. Expect temperatures with lows in the high 40s and highs in the low 80s.

Note - The Backpack Checklist for other formats differs from the HIGHLANDER 1DAY (Lyra) format.

Temperatures from 40°F to 80°F

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist

BACKPACK

The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Practice with 11-15 lbs and increase gradually to 33-37 lbs. For HIGHLANDER 1DAY (Lyra) format, we suggest a maximum of 20 lbs.

HIGHLANDER backpack

BACKPACK

The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Practice with 11-15 lbs and increase gradually to 33-37 lbs. For HIGHLANDER 1DAY (Lyra) format, we suggest a maximum of 20 lbs.

Make sure you can walk comfortably in your backpacking shoes and break them in before the event.

Look into ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking methods of walking and packing. Bring only the indispensable items in your backpack and choose natural materials wherever possible.

Merino wool is great (especially for underwear) for its quick-drying, anti-fungal, and anti-odor properties.

A fully packed backpack, excluding food and water, should not weigh over 37 lbs (for Lyra 20 lbs). The lighter, the better!

< 37 lbs

The lighter, the better!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW WHEN ON THE MOUNTAIN

Highlander travel informations

Weather

Expect dry and sunny weather with low humidity and colder nights.

Even the rain is unlikely you should bring rain and dry weather clothing, including a cap or a hat, gloves, cold-weather long-sleeve t-shirt (preferably wool), hiking pants, rain pants, and a rain jacket.

Food

For cooking food, you will need an ultralight backpacking canister stove and at least a 1L pot per person. Isobutane fuel canisters for cooking meals will be provided by HIGHLANDER.

Navigation

To find your way around, you must know how to read gpx maps and use a compass  as well as a GPS navigation tool that you may use alongside the compass.

For HIGHLANDER 5DAY (Hercules), HIGHLANDER 3DAY (Pegasus), and HIGHLANDER 2DAY (Orion) a special physical map will be provided by the Organizer.

Safety

For your safety, all participants must have a first aid kit during our events. While bear spray and bear canisters are not required, you should be aware of any scents left unattended, especially in camp overnight.

Littering

We believe our participants love and cherish nature and all its beauty. We know you wouldn’t litter, so please carry the waste bag provided by the organization.

Littering on and around trails, checkpoints, and campgrounds is forbidden. Litterers will be disqualified and banned from applying to any future HIGHLANDER events.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome but must always stay on a leash. See the Rules for more info.

PACKING LIST FOR HIGHLANDER BIG BEAR LAKE

*Items marked with (MANDATORY) are MANDATORY ITEMS.

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist

Travel and Accommodation

ARRIVING BY PLANE

These are many of the closest and most convenient airports and distances to Big Bear Lake, CA:

  • Ontario Airport (ONT): 58.3 miles
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP): 84.5 miles
  • Santa Ana Airport (SNA): 92.7 miles
  • Burbank Airport (BUR): 103 miles
  • Los Angeles Airport (LAX): 114 miles
  • San Diego Airport (SAN): 147 miles
  • Las Vegas Airport (LAS): 211 miles

ACCOMMODATIONS

Check Visit Big Bear - Where to stay for accommodation suggestions.

Discover serenity at the host hotel Sessions Retreat & Hotel, a tranquil oasis in Big Bear Lake. Whether you're here before or after the event, you will enjoy this retreat, the art around it, and nature that invites you to recharge and connect.

GETTING AROUND BIG BEAR


PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation options to and from the Big Bear Valley from outside of the area are very limited, including ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft.

Mountain Transit offers limited bus service from the San Bernardino Transit Center. Click here to check schedules. "Off the Mountain" bus service is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only.


GETTING AROUND IN BIG BEAR

Within Big Bear, Mountain Transit offers a free trolley and bus service to the most popular areas. General operating hours are from 6 AM to 9 PM daily. Schedules can be found here.

Bear in mind that the start is not at the same place as the Check-in location. Transport from the Bear Mountain Ski Resort to the start will be provided by the organization. You will board the shuttle at the Parking Lot at 41798 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.


PARKING

All participants will park at 41798 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. There is absolutely NO camping or sleeping in your vehicle allowed at the parking lot.

Big Bear's Mountain Transit public transportation has a bus stop at the Hospital, which is adjacent to the Parking Lot on Garstin Drive. Mountain Transit's general operating hours are from 6 AM to 9 PM daily. Schedules can be found here. For more details about the shuttle to the start, including when to arrive, please check out our Transport section here.

Regardless if you are driving to the shuttle pickup or being dropped off, all participants will board the shuttle to the start from the Parking Lot at 41798 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

If you are not from Big Bear Lake, we are happy to share some travel and accommodation suggestions.

TRANSPORT TO THE START

Each HIGHLANDER format will start in a different place.

The organizer will provide a shuttle bus to the start from the Parking location. Dogs will be permitted onboard the shuttle bus.

PARKING LOCATION

All participants will park at 41798 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. There is absolutely NO camping or sleeping in your vehicle allowed at the parking lot.

Regardless if you are driving to the shuttle pickup or being dropped off, all participants will board the shuttle to the start from the Parking Lot at 41798 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. You should arrive with enough time to gather your gear, drop off any luggage for storage, and board the shuttle bus. The departure schedule for each format (distance) will be updated soon, please check back.

Hikers exercising

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HIGHLANDER ADVENTURE

245 Park Avenue, New York

info@highlanderadventure.com