Hike a few days in the untouched nature, breathe the fresh air, and give yourself a break from the overcrowded digital world. During the HIGHLANDER journey, by exploring nature you will find your ”true” self along the trail. At each checkpoint, feel the festival vibe of the event by joining educational lectures, yoga classes, book presentations, or simply sitting under starry sky listening to live music playing into the night.

Untouched parts of the San Bernardino National Forest will be the ideal places to challenge the body and push it beyond its previously set limits for one goal – to become a HIGHLANDER! At some points, the trail will call on your athletic skill, but if you prepare for it and tap into the HIGHLANDER spirit, you can tame it.

HIGHLANDER Big Bear Lake offers three different formats:

• HIGHLANDER Hercules, a five-day journey
• HIGHLANDER Pegasus, a three-day journey
• HIGHLANDER Orion, a weekend adventure

Experience mountains, valleys, canyons and lakes, sleep under billions of stars in the wild heart of mountain, and find yourself excited for what the next day of hiking and exploring will bring to your Adventure of a Lifetime. Organizer will provide logistical support (so no need to worry about maps, camping spots, food rations, etc.) and have a medical and Search and Rescue personnel on stand-by.

It’s hard to describe what you’ll experience. You will find a place of peace and serenity, but HIGHLANDER will also challenge your body & mind. Only by getting out of your comfort zone can you give yourself a chance to grow.

Be ready for an Adventure of a Lifetime – become a HIGHLANDER!

1. When is the event?

HIGHLANDER Big Bear Lake has three different formats:

• HIGHLANDER Hercules Big Bear Lake, California is from May 24 to May 28, 2023.
• HIGHLANDER Pegasus Big Bear Lake, California is from May 26 to May 28, 2023.
• HIGHLANDER Orion Big Bear Lake, California is from May 27 to May 28, 2023.

2. What are the distances?

HIGHLANDER Hercules Big Bear Lake, California is a format with approx. 65 miles long route.

HIGHLANDER Pegasus Big Bear Lake, California is a format with approx. 34 miles long route.

HIGHLANDER Orion Big Bear Lake, California is a format with approx. 18 miles long route.

3. What is the cutoff time?

This is a backpacking adventure, not a race. All formats’ finish closes on May 28, 2023.

• HIGHLANDER Hercules Big Bear Lake, California is a 5-day backpacking experience.
• HIGHLANDER Pegasus Big Bear Lake, California is a 3-days backpacking experience.
• HIGHLANDER Orion Big Bear Lake, California is a weekend backpacking experience.

4. How do I enter?

To enter the event, complete the registration form on the event website and submit using the REGISTER NOW button. Payments are made online only using a debit or credit card. Capacity is limited, make sure you don’t miss your slot and register now for the Adventure of a Lifetime!

5. How much is the entry fee?

Below you can find the Individual entry fees for each format. All prices have a + 5% Active.com platform fee.

All prices have a + 5% Active.com platform fee. In case you do not wish to use a service included in the price, prices do not change.

HIGHLANDER Hercules Big Bear Lake, California

• Individual – Early Bird: $599 USD
• Individual – Regular: $ 799 USD
• Individual – Last Call: $ 899 USD
• More information here.

HIGHLANDER Pegasus Big Bear Lake, California

• Early Bird: $ 399 USD
• Regular: $ 499 USD
• Last Call: $ 599 USD
• More information here.

HIGHLANDER Orion Big Bear Lake, California

• Early Bird: $ 249 USD
• Regular: $ 299 USD
• Last Call: $ 349 USD
• More information here.

6. What is included in my entry fee?

• Food package and water at campgrounds
• Luggage storage at the On-site registrations (one 60 L/ 2.2 lbs bag only)*
• Transportation (including dogs) from Bear Mountain Ski Resort to the start of the format
• HIGHLANDER Ranger on campgrounds
• Camping Gas Cartridge
• HIGHLANDER ID – detailed itinerary showing checkpoint (with dedicated checkpoint stamp areas)
• HIGHLANDER Maps – detailed maps of the route
• HIGHLANDER Map Cover – waterproof cases
• Hiker tag, Luggage tag, and other Kit items
• HIGHLANDER Merino wool bandana
• HIGHLANDER Pin
• HIGHLANDER Patch
• HIGHLANDER Certificate
• Educational and leisure activities
• Infrastructure provided at the start, finish, checkpoints, and along the route
• FinisherPix photo package

7. I have not received the confirmation e-mail – where can I find it?

The confirmation email is automatically sent after submitting the payment. Check your inbox and spam folders, and if confirmation is not found, please contact usa@highlanderadventure.com.

8. How do I change my personal details (address, e-mail…)?

If this is your first time registering for an event on the Active.com platform, you will create an Active profile. Here you will have access to all registered events, and you can edit some of your personal details.

• Log in to https://myevents.active.com.
• Scroll through the list of registered events
• Choose “Edit Registration Information”
• Make changes to custom questions etc.
• Save changes

If you need to change other information (such as an email address), please contact usa@highlanderadventure.com.

9. Is there a minimum age to participate?

Minors are permitted at the event with a parent/guardian. Please download the document attached below, complete the document with the necessary information and save it as a PDF. Once you complete the registration and the payment for a parent/guardian and a minor, please, contact the organizer at usa@highlanderadventure.com to send the PDF file and get further instructions.

Consents for Minor to participate:

• HIGHLANDER Hercules Big Bear Lake
• HIGHLANDER Pegasus Big Bear Lake
• HIGHLANDER Orion Big Bear Lake

10. What is the venue address?

The address of the event is the ski resort of Bear Mountain Ski Resort.

11. What do I need to do during the event week?

On the week of the event, you will need to check in at registration and pick up your Participant Kit there.

12. What is the onsite registration procedure?

All participants must register in person at the event before the start to collect the Participant´s Kit and food. We do not send out the Participant´s Kit by mail. You will also receive an email with Registration Check-in information one week before the event.

13. Can someone else register for me?

No, all participants must come to Registration in person during open hours for the Registration Check-in and to personally sign the event waiver.

14. What nutrition is available during the event?

For each participant, the Organizer will provide camping food, distributed at checkpoints. The organizer provides a meat or vegan option, that participant chooses upon registration. Vegetarian and gluten-free options, however, will not be available. As food distribution differs from format to format, please see FOOD & DRINK section for Hercules, Pegasus and Orion format separately.

15. What type of clothing should I pack?

Temperatures in the San Bernardino Mountains in late September are between 80° F (27° C) and 43° F (6° C). Weather is typically a clear sky with low humidity and low chances of rain. To be safe, we recommend you prepare for all types of weather as well as you can.

16. How difficult is it to stay on the trail?

Most backpacking trails in the San Bernardino Mountains are well-marked, but some short sections of the route have some less-traveled paths where you need to stay more aware of your bearings. It is important to follow markers and official backpacking trails. Always keep a map on hand and follow the signposts to stay on course and arrive safely at your destination.

17. What weather conditions should I expect?

Temperatures in the San Bernardino Mountains in late September are between 80°F (27°C) and 43°F (6°C). Weather is typically a clear sky, dry and sunny with a very low percentage of humidity and low chances of rain. There is little wind with an average of 7 miles/h (3 m/s). For more details on the current weather situation, we recommend you check Weather forecast for Big Bear Lake, CA.

18. Can I bring my dog? 

Of course! However take into consideration it might still be pretty hot and unless the dog is acclimated to the heat, overheating might be a challenge. For the same reason, please make sure the dog is well hydrated – you probably need to carry 1.5x to 2x your water amount for the two of you. The general rule for the K9 team for wilderness in hot weather is 1 liter (0.26 gallon) per 1-2 hours for the dog and his owner together.

There is no extra registration fee required but please note the dog food is your responsibility.

Dogs are allowed onboard transportation buses. Your dog must always be kept on a leash, even in the camping area where they must be taken outside of the camping area to relieve themselves. Dogs are not allowed inside any buildings including the dining hall.

19. Can I bring my drone? 

We are aware some of you might want to capture your Adventure of a Lifetime by using a drone, however, we have to point out that drones are, unfortunately, not allowed.

20. Can I sleep in mountain lodges or huts? 

No. Sleeping is only permitted in tents and in sleeping bags which are required HIGHLANDER gear for all participants. Mountain lodges and huts have limited space and could not accommodate all HIGHLANDER participants. Sleeping in a tent is a special experience and one of the best parts of a true backpacking adventure.

21. I have never hiked, but I feel physically ready. Can I register? 

Of course! HIGHLANDER is not for professional hikers and mountaineers only. It welcomes nature lovers hungry for activity and adventure. HIGHLANDER is very safe and not overly challenging. A minimum of backpacking experience is required. We suggest starting a training plan in the months before the event.

22. How can I best prepare for HIGHLANDER Big Bear Lake? 

All participants should be physically prepared to tackle the route smoothly. We recommend 60-120 miles of light backpacking in the months before HIGHLANDER to prepare for the trail. Above all, you must be able to carry a heavy backpack (practice with 11-15 lbs and increase gradually to 33-37 lbs). Make sure you can walk comfortably in your backpacking shoes and break them in prior to the event.

Find more information on how to get ready here.

23. Do I need to bring my own food? 

It depends on you and your body. For each participant, the Organizer will provide camping food, distributed at checkpoints. The organizer provides a meat or vegan option, that participant chooses upon registration. Vegetarian and gluten-free options, however, will not be available.

We all have unique eating habits and feel full at different rates so if you think you need additional food / have a special diet please bring it with you.

If you are participating with your dog please bear in mind dog food is not provided.

24. Do I have to stop at each checkpoint? 

You have to collect all checkpoint stamps. Checkpoints are open at specific times. Staff will stamp your HIGHLANDER ID. During the checkpoints’ working hours, our staff will help you obtain your HIGHLANDER checkpoint stamp, water, and food. Please know that if you don’t manage to get the checkpoint stamp, you are disqualified and are not entitled to the HIGHLANDER Title, Pin, Patch, or Certificate. Checkpoint stamp collection is the sole responsibility of the participant.

25. Do I have to set up my tent close to checkpoints? 

Bivouacking is allowed only inside the designated bivouacking camps.

26. What if I have gear trouble?

Checkpoint staff is trained for such cases. Feel free to consult them with any gear malfunction or similar issues.

27. Will you be providing transportation to the start? 

Yes.

As the start is not at the same place as the On-site registrations, the organizer is providing transport busses for each format. Busses depart from Bear Mountain Ski Resort and take participants to the start of their format. Dogs are allowed onboard transportation buses.

Check Travel and Accommodation section for a detailed schedule of the buses.

28. I will be staying in California after the event. Will HIGHLANDER provide transportation to my next destination after the event?

No. The Organizer will only provide transportation to the HIGHLANDER start position. Any other transportation arrangements are your responsibility.

29. Is there cellular service on the course? 

There is spotty coverage for most of the course.

30. Are hiking poles a good idea?

A great idea!

31. Can I share my gear with other participants? 

Yes. Participants sharing equipment must inform the organizing staff at Registration Check-in – Event week. Gear that can be shared includes the required tents, iso butane/alcohol stoves, compasses, and first aid kits. Participants sharing the required gear must cross the finish line within a time difference of no more than 30 minutes from the first to the last group member.

32. Will you be designating sleeping areas? 

Designated bivouacking sites are on the Checkpoints for each HIGHLANDER format or in close vicinity, and you are required to camp on these sites.

33. What do I receive when I complete HIGHLANDER? 

If you complete any distance of HIGHLANDER successfully, you will receive a HIGHLANDER Pin, Patch, and Certificate.

34. Will HIGHLANDER take place in the event of bad/inclement weather?

Yes.

35. I have a specific diet. Will vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options be available at checkpoints? 

There is a specific field in the registration form that includes diet preferences. A vegan option will be available at all checkpoints. Vegetarian and gluten-free options, however, will not be available.

36. Transfer/Withdrawal/ Deferral process:

Please find all relevant information here.

37. Who do I contact regarding event photos?

Please contact usa@highlanderadventure.com for any questions related to photos.

38. Where can I sign up to volunteer?

More info coming soon!

For additional questions, please contact usa@highlanderadventure.com.

39. Is there a location for Lost & Found items?

During the event week, please speak to staff members about any lost or found items. After the event, please contact usa@highlanderadventure.com.

40. How can I contact the event organizers?

You can contact us via email at usa@highlanderadventure.com.