The fifth edition of HIGHLANDER Big Bear Lake took place in Southern California, and for me, it marked the fourth time photographing the event.This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the HIGHLANDER hiking series. Having been an integral part of that journey, I can confidently say that Big Bear Lake remains one of my favorite HIGHLANDER locations. Its routes and surroundings offer everything a hiking event should have: challenge, variety, and landscapes that constantly surprise you.
I first photographed HIGHLANDER Big Bear Lake when it launched in 2022, before returning in 2023, 2025, and again this year. Each edition brings together several hundred participants from the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, and beyond. They take part in five different formats: Ursa Major, covering 148 kilometers; Hercules, at 92 kilometers; Pegasus, at 53 kilometers; Orion, at 35 kilometers; and Lyra, at 19 kilometers.Although the routes have remained largely the same, the experience has never felt repetitive, even after four visits. The reason is simple: the landscape never allows it to.
The trails lead participants through the forests and varied terrain of the San Bernardino National Forest, passing several of the region’s most memorable locations. These include Rim Nordic, Green Valley Lake, which sits at an elevation of 2,133 meters and is often described as one of the area’s best-kept secrets, as well as Crab Flats, Fawnskin, Hanna Flats, Holcomb Valley Ranch, and the Big Bear Discovery Center.
Another major highlight is the opportunity to hike part of the legendary Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches for approximately 4,270 kilometers. The route also includes the ascent to Butler Peak Fire Lookout, standing at 2,602 meters. As the highest lookout point in the region, it offers panoramic views across San Gorgonio Peak, Big Bear Valley, Lake Arrowhead, Apple Valley, and the wider Inland Empire.
Why is it so special? The diversity of landscapes.
At one moment, hikers are moving through dense forest beneath trees rising 30 or 40 meters above them. Soon afterwards, they enter a completely different setting, surrounded by dramatic rock formations that resemble natural sculptures. Before there is even time to adjust to that change, the scenery shifts once again, and the hikers find themselves crossing desert terrain beside enormous cacti.
The landscapes change like scenes in a movie, often within a surprisingly short distance. At times, it feels as though you have travelled through several different countries rather than followed a single route through Southern California.
From a photographer’s perspective, that constant transformation is spectacular. The scenery continues to evolve from sunrise to sunset, and the sunsets in this part of California are particularly striking. There is often so much happening in front of the lens that the greatest challenge is deciding what to photograph first.
As already mention above this was my fourth time covering the event, I returned with the same excitement and a completely renewed sense of motivation. Big Bear Lake continues to inspire me, and every visit brings fresh ideas. That is why, even when the route remains familiar, the photographs never turn out the same.
ABOUT HIGHLANDER
HIGHLANDER is a global series of hiking events that brings together nature lovers from around the world. This unique movement, which began in 2017 in Croatia, offers participants the opportunity to take on exciting hiking challenges lasting anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on the chosen route. The event is now held across four continents, with 17 events currently on the calendar.
INSIDE THE PHOTOSHOOT WITH PREDRAG VUCKOVIC
Predrag Vuckovic has served as Head of Photography for the entire HIGHLANDER series since its inception. Over the years, hiking events have become an important part of his portfolio, while his extensive experience photographing outdoor sports has made him particularly well suited to the demands of this role.
He is known for recognizing and using every visual element a location has to offer. At HIGHLANDER Big Bear Lake, that means making the most of the dramatic transitions between forests, rock formations, and desert landscapes.
The equipment used for this project
Cameras: Nikon Z 7 II and Nikon Z 8 (because of the lightweight of the equipment)
Lenses: 14 – 24 mm f 2.8, 24 – 70mm f 2.8, 35mm f 1.2, 50mm f 1.2, 135mm f 1.8
Drone DJI Mavic Mini 5 PRO
Predrag’s work combines a strong sense of place with an instinct for capturing the emotions of the participants, allowing him to tell the full story of the event through both its environment and the people moving through it.