EXPLORE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

Experience the ultimate backpacking experience – HIGHLANDER. Explore the northern Wasatch range.

HIGHLANDER is coming to Utah! Surrender yourself to the exploration of nature, Ogden has to offer. Immerse yourself in the northern Wasatch range, on the wild slopes of the city of Ogden itself. Prepare for approximately 60 miles of beautiful flora and fauna through the 5-day journey or prolong your weekend and enjoy a 3-day Adventure across approximately 30 miles of backpacking experience.

HIGHLANDER will challenge your body and mind, but we believe everyone with a heart of a backpacker can do it. To make it a bit easier, you do not need to worry about maps, camping spots, food rations, etc. as we have the logistical support ready for you along with medical and Search and Rescue personnel on standby. So, prepare your body and mind for your Adventure and the rest is on us. After a long day of hiking, relax around music, regenerate your muscles with yoga, and surrender your mind to the starry sky above.

HIGHLANDER Utah offers two different formats:

• HIGHLANDER Hercules, a five-day journey
• HIGHLANDER Pegasus, a three-day journey

Through the forest to the Rocky Mountains and to the highest pick in the Northern Wasatch Mountain range, the Willard. Spectacular views overlooking the Western side of Cache National Forest and offering you a bird’s eye view of the Great Salt Lake and Ogden city. From meeting new friends and immersing your senses into the music and side program to enjoying your peace of quiet under the billions of starts, HIGHLANDER brings something to everybody. Join us and see what the Adventure of a Lifetime brings to you.

1. When is the event?

HIGHLANDER Hercules Ogden, Utah is from September 5th to 9th, 2023.

HIGHLANDER Pegasus Ogden, Utah is from September 7th to 9th, 2023.

2. What are the distances?

HIGHLANDER Hercules Ogden, Utah is approx. 60 miles, 5-day hiking experience.

HIGHLANDER Pegasus Ogden, Utah is approx. 30 miles, 3-days hiking experience.

3. What is the cutoff time?

This is a hiking adventure, not a race.

HIGHLANDER Ogden, Utah event finishes on September 9th, 2023.

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.

HIGHLANDER Hercules Ogden, Utah

• Early Bird: $539 USD
• Regular: $ 719 USD
• Last Call: $ 809 USD
• More information here.

HIGHLANDER Pegasus Ogden, Utah

• Early Bird: $359 USD
• Regular: $ 449 USD
• Last Call: $ 539 USD
• More information here.

6. What is included in my entry fee?

• Food package and water at campgrounds
• 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

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

The confirmation email is automatically sent after submitting 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 the parent/guardian is registered, please email the PDF to the organizer at usa@highlanderadventure.com and request further instructions on how to register a minor.

Consents for Minor to participate:

• HIGHLANDER Hercules Ogden, Utah
• HIGHLANDER Pegasus Ogden, Utah

10. What is the venue address?

The address starts in the city of Ogden, Utah.

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?

All information regarding food provided by the organizer is sent to participants the week of the event. You can read more about food & drink here.

15. What type of clothing should I pack?

Temperatures in the northern Wasatch range in early September are between 72.5° F (22.5° C) and 52.7° F (11.5° C). Weather is typically sunny with middle 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 hiking trails in the Flathead National Forest 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 hiking 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 northern Wasatch range in early September are between 72.5° F (22.5° C) and 52.7° F (11.5° C). Weather is typically sunny with low chances of rain.

18. Can I bring my dog? 

Of course! Your dog must always be kept on a leash. See more here.

19. 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 hiking adventure.

20. 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 hiking experience is required. We suggest starting a training plan in the months before the event.

21. How can I best prepare for HIGHLANDER Ogden, Utah? 

All participants should be physically prepared to tackle the route smoothly. We recommend 60-120 miles of light hiking 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 hiking shoes and break them in prior to the event.

Find more information in the getting ready section.

22. Do I need to bring my own food? 

It depends on you, your body, and your diet needs. We all have unique eating habits and feel full at different rates so you know yourself best. You will receive a food package and water at the campgrounds. You can choose between a meat and vegan diet, the vegetarian and gluten-free options, however, are not available. You choose your diet preference during the registration process.

23. Do I have to stop at each checkpoint? 

You have to collect all checkpoint stamps. Checkpoints are open at specific times. Note that Hercules and Pegasus formats have different schedules. Staff will stamp your HIGHLANDER ID. Outside staff working hours (or similar), you will stamp your own ID.

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

Bivouacking is allowed only inside the designated bivouacking camps.

25. 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.

26. Will you be providing transportation to the start? 

No. For ways to come to the start please see Travel & Accommodation section.

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

No. Any other transportation arrangements are your responsibility.

28. Is there cellular service on the course? 

There is spotty coverage for most of the course.

29. Are hiking poles a good idea? 

A great idea!

30. 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, 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.

31. 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.

32. 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.

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

Yes.

34. 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. You can choose between a meat and vegan diet, the vegetarian and gluten-free options, however, are not available.

35. Transfer/Withdrawal/ Deferral process:

Please find all relevant information here.

36. Who do I contact regarding event photos?

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

37. Where can I sign up to volunteer?

Link for more information and registration is coming soon.

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

38. 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.

39. How can I contact the event organizers?

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