The most demanding of all HIGHLANDER formats, Ursa Major pushes hikers through an intense 95-mile journey, filled with relentless elevation shifts, rugged terrain, and high-altitude summits. This route is reserved for expert hikers, challenging participants with extended mileage, steep climbs, and remote backcountry landscapes, making it one of Big Bear’s toughest treks.

The adventure begins on Day 1, departing from Rim Nordic and traversing rolling terrain through towering pine forests before tackling the steep ascent of Crafts Peak. This climb rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree views, stretching across Big Bear Valley, the Mojave Desert, and distant mountain ranges. After descending, the journey continues through Green Valley, where forest-covered paths and varied terrain offer a transition toward the deeper wilderness ahead.

On Day 2, Ursa Major hikers eventually deviate from the Hercules route, taking on an out-and-back section along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) toward Deep Creek. This stretch offers stunning desert and canyon views from elevated vantage points, contrasting sharply with the forested landscapes of previous sections. While hikers approach Deep Creek, it cannot and should not be accessed, keeping the route safely on designated trails. After completing this extended detour, hikers head back press on toward Crab Flats Campground. 

By Day 3, the route shifts toward higher elevation, as hikers traverse through lower shrubs and rocky outcroppings that will later turn into denser pine forests near Hanna Flats. The terrain continues along longer backcountry stretches, gradually increasing in altitude while transitioning toward the ridge systems that define the later sections of the trek.

Day 4 hikers ascend Little Bear Peak, which offers expansive overlooks of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding valley. From this vantage point, the trail descends toward Holcomb Valley, a historically rich region showcasing Gold Rush-era landscapes, vast meadows, and rugged rock outcrops, setting the stage for the final summit challenge.

On the final day, Day 5, hikers moves through Holcomb Valley’s historic backcountry, passing mining remnants and rolling terrain.The last stretch tackles Bertha Peak, where a shorter, steady ascent leads to sweeping views across the San Bernardino wilderness before beginning the final descent to the Big Bear Discovery Center for a well-earned finish.

To earn the Highlander badge, Ursa Major participants must punch their passport at each summit, marking their completion of one of Big Bear’s most challenging backcountry treks. Each night, hikers will join fellow HIGHLANDER participants, sharing campgrounds, meals, and camp programs, building camaraderie while taking on this monumental expedition.

The 5-day Hercules route is a challenging and rewarding trek, covering roughly 57 miles with significant elevation changes throughout the journey. Beginning at Rim Nordic, hikers will traverse rolling terrain before taking on the rugged ascent of Crafts Peak, a stunning vantage point that offers expansive views of Big Bear Valley and the distant desert below. 

As the trail continues, the landscape remains a mix of open terrain and scattered forest, leading toward Crab Flats on Day 2, where hikers encounter varied terrain with occasional wooded stretches but no major altitude shifts yet.

On Day 3, the route begins its notable climb into higher elevation, transitioning into denser pine forests near Hanna Flats as hikers rise above 7,000 feet. 

The following day, Day 4, introduces even more forested terrain, marking one of the biggest environmental shifts of the journey. The higher-altitude trails provide cooler evening conditions, while Big Bear Lake comes into view at several ridgeline vantage points, contrasting with the earlier lower elevation shrubland.

The final leg leads through Holcomb Valley’s historic landscapes and expansive meadows, showcasing remnants of the California Gold Rush, before descending toward the Big Bear Discovery Center for the finish.

The 3-day Pegasus route offers a thrilling and scenic ~34-mile adventure, bringing hikers through iconic ridgelines, dense pine forests, and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Starting in Fawnskin, participants will trek toward Butler Peak, one of the most striking lookout points in the Big Bear region. From its fire tower summit, hikers will take in unparalleled 360-degree views, including Big Bear Lake, the Mojave Desert, and the towering peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains. After descending, the journey continues toward Hanna Flats, where Pegasus hikers will merge with Hercules participants for the remainder of the adventure.

From Hanna Flats onward, the route mirrors the final three days of the Hercules trek, introducing gradual elevation gains, expansive ridgelines, and shaded pine forests. The path follows sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, offering stunning overlooks of Big Bear Valley, before transitioning into the historically significant landscapes of Holcomb Valley. The final descent toward the Big Bear Discovery Center provides one last sweeping view of the wilderness, completing this rewarding trek.

The 2-day Orion route is an exhilarating ~23-mile adventure, offering a condensed yet challenging trek through the historic landscapes and rugged terrain of Big Bear Valley. Starting at the Big Bear Discovery Center, hikers will ascend into Holcomb Valley, a region rich with remnants of the California Gold Rush, including meadowlands, rocky outcrops, and abandoned mining cabins. The route features rolling terrain with occasional ridgeline views, providing a glimpse of the broader wilderness before settling into camp for the night.

On Day 2, Pegasus hikers merge with the final day of the Hercules and Pegasus routes, traversing forested paths and scenic ridgelines before returning to the Discovery Center for a rewarding finish. This route balances history, elevation, and natural beauty, making it a perfect two-day challenge for those looking to experience the essence of Big Bear’s backcountry.

The 1-day Lyra route offers a scenic trek through Holcomb Valley, featuring both a 13.5-mile full-day adventure and a shorter 7-mile variation for those seeking a more manageable challenge. Beginning at the Big Bear Discovery Center, hikers set off into rolling terrain, gradually entering the rugged landscapes of Holcomb Valley, a region known for its expansive meadows, rocky outcrops, and varied forested paths.

The longer 13.5-mile route provides an immersive backcountry experience, covering both historical sites and scenic ridgelines, while the 7-mile option follows a beautiful section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), offering a chance to hike along one of America’s most iconic long-distance trails. Whether opting for the longer or shorter trek, participants will experience spectacular terrain and rewarding views before returning to the Discovery Center to conclude their journey.