Global hiking event grows

HIGHLANDER is set to expand across the US with new brand partnerships, starting with a second installment of the Big Bear Lake adventure.

Designed for both beginners and advance seasoned hikers, HIGHLANDER was founded in Croatia in 2017 when three friends decided to share their love and passion for long-distance hiking, and has since gained global recognition for its unparalleled hiking experiences. With more than 100 events in over 20 different countries, HIGHLANDER has become a go-to adventure for those looking to explore some of the most stunning landscapes across the globe.  

HIGHLANDER, the world’s leading global long-distance hiking event series, announces continued U.S. expansion in 2023 with the return of its Big Bear Lake Adventure, providing participants with the opportunity to explore the breathtaking unworldly landscapes of California’s natural wonder. Following the success of its inaugural U.S. event in 2022, the San Bernardino National Forest will once again host the world-class journey from May 24 – 28, 2023, offering hikers a hassle-free, life-changing outdoor experience.

“This is just the beginning for us as we continue expanding our footprint across the US market and make our return to the lush green forests, snow-capped mountain peaks and picturesque meadows of Big Bear Lake in 2023,” said HIGHLANDER CEO, Jurica Barac. “We’re committed to making HIGHLANDER’s hiking experiences attainable and more accessible than ever before, while improving the lives of our participants and bringing transformative experiences to more people, in more places.”

With a focus on creating an optimal environment for self-discovery, HIGHLANDER helps participants leave with a sense of achievement, enlightenment, and a new perspective on life. In an effort to make the journey even more accessible and stress-free, HIGHLANDER has formed partnerships with Spot Insurance and RightOnTrek, providing participants with insurance at no additional cost, and allowing them to easily rent all the necessary gear. This year, they’ve also teamed up with Croatian-based company, Podravka, to provide participants with nourishing meals during all U.S. hikes. These collaborations allow HIGHLANDER to offer a fully immersive and worry-free experience for all participants.

HIGHLANDER is designed for all levels of hikers, with three different formats to choose from: Hercules, a 60-mile (approx.) five-day journey; Pegasus, a 30-mile (approx.) three-day journey; and Orion; a 15-mile (approx.) weekend adventure. During the day, participants will have the opportunity to fully disconnect, immerse themselves in nature and embody physical and mental resilience as they hike through stunning landscapes, but it’s the night-time experience that truly sets HIGHLANDER apart. With a carefully curated lineup of activities, participants come together to connect, unwind, and make new friends under the stars. From sleeping under the open sky, to fully immersing themselves in nature, HIGHLANDER offers an otherworldly experience that will stay with participants long after their journey is over. With everything from gear to experienced guides taken care of, participants can focus solely on the journey ahead, leaving all their worries behind.

The Big Bear Lake Adventure is the first of many HIGHLANDER events this year across the US, in addition to scheduled events in the United Kingdom, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Spain, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates.

HIGHLANDER is committed to sustainability and prioritizes educating its participants on how to effectively preserve nature for future generations. Following the Leave No Trace and Erase The Trace philosophies, the company promotes responsible and environmentally-friendly practices during the event, encouraging participants to leave nature better than they found it.