**If you like to use the phone for navigating and are still thinking of which app to use, we suggest the Gaia app that works also on airplane mode after you import the GPX route (Android, iOS, desktop) of the trail and download the map layer of the entire trail area for use offline (requires Premium membership).
The most demanding of all HIGHLANDER formats is Ursa Major. You will traverse 82 miles and ascend roughly 15,000ft in total elevation, covering much of the Big Bear Valley. Reserved for expert hikers only. You will hike your way around Big Bear's highest peaks and deepest creeks. The terrain’s toughness will leave you breathless and the views will take your breath away.
Starting right along the Pacific Crest Trail, you will begin your journey on the eastern end of the valley, where you will pass by Joshua Trees as you peer to the desert floor below. As you gradually ascend the trees and shrubs will grow higher and higher until you transition into the pine forests. There are plenty of opportunities to take in views of Big Bear Lake from the trails that traverse the North Shore.
Ursa Major hikers set themselves apart by summiting several peaks along the way including Gold Mountain, Bertha Peak, Little Bear Peak, Butler Peak, and Keller Peak. You must punch your Highlander passport with the special hole punch located at the summit of each peak to earn the badge of a Highlander at the finish.
Each night you will share the same camps, meals, and side activities with the other HIGHLANDER participants.
The route for the 5-day Hercules hikers will be challenging and rewarding, covering 57 miles and 9,000ft of elevation gain and loss. You will begin along the Pacific Crest Trail on the eastern end of the Big Bear Valley, where you will pass by Joshua Trees as you peer to the desert floor below. As you gradually ascend the trees and shrubs will grow higher and higher until you transition into the pine forests. There are plenty of opportunities to take in views of Big Bear Lake from the trails that traverse the North Shore.
As you make your way toward the west side of the valley you will wander through a remote burn scarred area followed by tough day reaching the lowest point in the valley as you make your way through Siberia Canyon and cross Bear Creek, a secret fishing spot known only to locals who brave the terrain to reach it.
Once you arrive on the South Shore trails you are treated to flowy singletrack with views of ridgelines in the distance. Before you complete your journey, take in one last view of Big Bear lake as you descend toward the Big Bear Village and the finish at Sessions Retreat.
The Pegasus 3-day journey will take you across 35 total miles and a total elevation gain and loss of over 6,000ft. You will begin your journey along a beautiful single track trail that hugs Grays' Peak, the home of local legends Jackie and Shadow - Big Bear's resident eagles. You will be climbing for about 4 miles from town level up into the forest where you will join the same route as the Hercules participants. This day can be hot with little tree cover during the hottest points. Be sure to keep hydrated! Bring more water than you think you will need - you will not regret it!
On Day 2 you will traverse through the remote Siberia Canyon. This is a tough 10-mile journey and you must keep up with your water intake! The views are stunning. Don't forget to look at the views behind you as make the 7-mile ascent from the canyon floor at Bear Creek. We recommend taking a short break to dip your hat or bandana in the creek to cool off! You'll also want to filter water - trust us on this!
Once you arrive on the South Shore trails you are treated to flowy singletrack with views of ridgelines in the distance. Before you complete your journey, take in one last view of Big Bear lake as you descend toward the Big Bear Village and the finish at Sessions Retreat.
The 2-day Orion format will give you a wonderful taste of what HIGHLANDER is all about. You will complete 19 miles total and just under 2,500ft of elevation gain and loss. You will begin at the Aspen Glen picnic area just outside of the Big Bear Village and make your way up and on to the beautiful Skyline singetrack trail. Day 1 will be a lot of ascent with the most in the first 2.5 miles, then roller until you reach beautiful Camp Gilboa next to Bluff Lake.
Day 2 will eventually bring you back down to town with a net downhill for the day. You'll be up along the ridgeline with distant views of all the surrounding moutains to your North and South. Take in one last view of Big Bear Lake on the final descent toward Big Bear Village and onto the finish at Sessions Retreat.
The 1-day 14-mile long hike will begin at Aspen Glen Picnic Area and ascend toward the ridgeline and Skyline singletrack trail. After experieincing some beautiful single track with spectacular views you'll be headed back down toward town and on your way to Sessions Retreat.
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