Ed Anacker Bridger Ridge Run

A point-to-point traverse of the Bridger Mountain crest north of Bozeman, the Ed Anacker Bridger Ridge Run covers 19.90 miles from the Fairy Lake Trailhead (7,600 ft) to the Fish Hatchery finish in town (4,900 ft). The route follows the full exposed spine of the Bridger range — summiting Sacagawea Peak (9,650 ft), contouring above Bridger Bowl ski area, crossing Saddle Peak, and descending from Baldy Mountain through the M trailhead and Drinking Horse tunnel. Much of the trail is vague or entirely on talus with no clear path; Montana's volatile August weather adds sustained exposure risk for miles along the open ridge. Founded in 1985 by MSU chemistry professor Ed Anacker — himself a Western States 100 finisher — and renamed in his honor after his death in 2011, the race has become a Bozeman institution. Limited by US Forest Service permit to 250 runners, it draws 600-plus applicants annually through a community-focused lottery that rewards volunteers and local non-profit supporters.