The HIGHLANDER 5DAY (Hercules) route covers roughly 57 miles with significant elevation changes throughout the journey. Beginning at Rim Nordic, hikers will traverse rolling terrain before taking on the 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 more of a desert landscape with shorter shrubs and rocky outcroppings.

On Day 3, the route begins its 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 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 HIGHLANDER 3DAY (Pegasus) route offers a thrilling and scenic ~33-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 HIGHLANDER 5DAY (Hercules) participants for the remainder of the adventure.

From Hanna Flats onward, the route mirrors the final two days of the HIGHLANDER 5DAY (Hercules) trek. 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 Big Bear Valley from above, completing this stunning trek.

The HIGHLANDER 2DAY (Orion) route is an exhilarating ~22-mile adventure, offering a 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, HIGHLANDER 2DAY (Orion) hikers merge with the final day of the HIGHLANDER 5DAY (Hercules) and HIGHLANDER 2DAY (Orion) routes, traversing forested paths and scenic ridgelines before returning to the Discovery Center for a rewarding finish. This route balances history and natural beauty, making it a perfect two-day journey for those looking to experience the essence of Big Bear’s backcountry.

The HIGHLANDER 1DAY (Lyra) route offers a scenic trek through Holcomb Valley, featuring both a 12.5-mile full-day adventure and a shorter 7-mile variation for those seeking less of an adventure. Beginning at the Big Bear Discovery Center, hikers set off with an ascent, gradually entering Holcomb Valley, a region known for its expansive meadows, rocky outcrops, and varied forested paths.

The longer 12.5-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 breathtaking views before returning to the Discovery Center to conclude their journey.