Devil's Backbone

Distances: 50 mi, 50 mi relay
http://www.math.montana.edu/~thayes/Runs/Runs.html
This is an old school ultra. It is a mostly self-supported race on a rugged but extremely scenic course. Just head up to a 10,000' peak then follow a rolling ridge 25 mi to the Windy Pass Forest Service Cabin where you will be thrilled to see a few people at your one aid station and get stocked up. (One of the main reasons they have the relay is so they can have the help schlepping stuff in and out of the aid station. Plan accordingly if you enter the relay.) Then just turn around and head back. Love, loved, loved, loved that trail. It crossed above several cirques which I looked out over and I thought 'wow, I bet the view out here is fabulous on days on days that aren't completely fogged in.' Even though the race is held in the height of summer, be prepared for any kind of weather. Though very well organized don't expect anything elaborate. No, I mean this is a really low fuss race. Take for example these actual pre-race instructions: 'The timer is in the relay. If there are any really fast guys here you could make it back before her. Just in case, we'll leave a sheet of paper here for you to write your own time down.' Only a very small number of racers are allowed entry, most of those who sign up are somewhat local, so the whole race has the feel of a family reunion. This race is worth your effort.