LEARN ABOUT ALL HIGHLANDER FORMATS

Lyra — 1 Day, ~14 Miles

Embark on a 1-day, ~14-mile wilderness challenge atop ridgelines and scenic mountain trails. The trail will demand your athletic prowess, but with proper preparation and the right mindset, you will conquer it.

Named after the harmonious lyre in Greek mythology, Lyra represents balance and perseverance—perfect for audacious souls and adventure seekers with limited time.

Orion — 2 Days, ~20 Miles

Leave your worries behind for a weekend escape on the mountain trails with HIGHLANDER Orion. Just a few hours from Southern California’s vibrant cities, this journey brings you into Big Bear’s untamed wilderness, where you can soak in breathtaking views, serene hideaways, and the raw beauty of alpine nature.

This 2-day, 1-night adventure is ideal for those looking to experience the HIGHLANDER spirit and continue the backpacking lifestyle. Named after the Orion constellation, one of the most recognizable formations in the night sky, this format will inspire you to keep reaching for new challenges.

Pegasus — 3 Days, ~35 Miles

A 3-day backpacking adventure that brings you through ~35 miles of hidden trails, creeks, and even a secret lake beyond the well-known paths of Big Bear Lake. This journey is perfect for those who want to challenge themselves while enjoying nature and connecting with the backpacking community.

Named after the winged horse Pegasus, this trek embodies exploration and adventure, giving you three days and two nights to create lifelong memories in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Hercules — 5 Days, ~60 Miles

For those seeking a five-day festival of endurance, HIGHLANDER Hercules takes you on an approximate 60-mile journey through the heart of Big Bear Valley’s awe-inspiring wilderness.

On this five-day, four-night trek, you’ll camp under the starry sky and experience one of Southern California’s most spectacular landscapes. Named after the Roman mythological hero, adapted from the Greek Heracles, this format will push your limits like never before.

Ursa Major — 5 Days, ~80-90 Miles

The ultimate backpacking experience, HIGHLANDER Ursa Major is reserved only for the most extreme adventurers ready to undertake a five-day, 80-90-mile challenge.

This trek covers Big Bear Valley’s highest peaks and deepest valleys, demanding serious endurance across varied and technical terrain. You’ll navigate through alpine forests, high-desert landscapes, and remote wilderness where few travelers venture.

This format requires prior long-distance hiking experience or a qualifying endurance achievement to ensure all participants are prepared.

Specifically, within the previous 2 years, Ursa Major contenders must:
--Have previous long distance multi-day hiking experience of 5+ days (e.g. PCT, CDT, Appalachian Trail, etc.), Spartan Ultra (finisher), or a Trail Race greater than 50 miles (finisher) or HIGHLANDER Hercules (finisher).

The following will be required of all Ursa Major participants. All participants must arrive prepared to be semi-autonomous throughout the hike. Semi-autonomous means:

--Carrying a sufficient amount of water without the option to refill using a water filtration device at a natural water source (if sources are available-they are extremely limited, which increases the amount of water you must carry from the start each day).

--Able to navigate yourself through the entire route without relying on markings set by the organization

--Carrying the course loaded in a mapping program (i.e. Gaia or Caltopo) on a fully charged mobile device plus 1 fully charged extra battery pack each day

--Carrying the mandatory gear set by the organization specifically for Ursa Major hikers at all times

--Departing camp each morning no later than 6:30 AM

--Attending the mandatory pre-event briefing

--Being aware of and following all rules set by the organization.

*The organizer reserves the right to deny participation in this format at their discretion and for any reason.

Named after Ursa Major, the largest northern constellation—its Latin name meaning ‘greater bear’, a fitting symbol for this monumental adventure.