Ander’s 50th Summit for Big Sky Bravery
Ander Thompson standing at the highest point in Montana (Granite Peak - 12,807’) during his 49th summit.
Ander Thompson set out to climb the highest peak in every state with a simple goal: finish what he started and make it matter. Inspired by his father, who completed 50 states over 50 years, Ander began pursuing his own version of that legacy. In May 2017, he climbed the highest peak in New York, officially launching what would become a deeply personal, years-long journey across the country.
Along the way, each summit has carried a story - moments of challenge, resolve, and gratitude that have shaped who he is. His 49th mountain was Beartooth Peak in Montana, and it helped confirm what he already knew: this final climb should be bigger than a personal milestone. Ander is using his 50th summit to give back to the men and women who carry the weight of service for our nation.
In May 2026, Ander will attempt Denali in Alaska - the highest peak in the United States and the final summit in his 50-state journey. He says he “saved the best for last,” and he’s dedicating this climb to Big Sky Bravery, a Montana-based nonprofit serving active-duty Special Operations Forces and their families through world-class restoration programs.
The fundraising goal is $20,310 - the elevation of Denali. Every dollar raised supports Big Sky Bravery’s mission and the community they serve. This goal will support 20 active-duty SOF recipients’ travel expenses for upcoming Task Forces this year.
Join us in reaching our goal of $20,310 as Ander takes on Denali - his final and highest summit. Every donation supports the active-duty Special Operations Forces and families we serve. Donate, share, and follow along as this climb becomes a legacy of giving back.
Ander’s Summits (in order)
Mt. Marcy, New York, 5344 ‘
Mt. Elbert, Colorado, 14,433’
Hoosier Hill Point, Indiana, 1257’
Campbell Hill, Ohio, 1549’
Spruce Knob, West Virginia, 4861’
Mt. Davis, Pennsylvania, 3213’
High Point, New Jersey, 1803’
Mt. Mansfield, Vermont, 4395’
Jerimoth Hill, Rhode Island, 812’
Mount Frissel, Connecticut, 2380’
Mount Washington, New Hampshire, 6288’
Mount Graylock, Massachusetts, 3491’
Eagle Mountain, Minnesota, 2301’
Timm’s Hill, Wisconsin, 1951’
Mount Arvon, Michigan, 1979’
Mount Sunflower, Kansas, 4039’
Taum Sauk Mountain, Missouri, 1772’
Mount Magazine, Arkansas, 2753’
Driskell Mountain, Louisiana, 535’
Woodall Mountain, Missouri, 806’
Hawkeye Point, Indiana, 1670’
Panorama Point, Nebraska, 5426’
Cheaha Mountain, Alabama, 2407’
Britton Hill, Florida, 345’
Mount Hood, Oregon, 11237’
Brasstown Bald, Georgia, 4783’
Clingman’s Dome, Tennessee, 6644’
Black Mountain, Kentucky, 4145’
Mt. Rogers, Virginia, 5729’
Mount Mitchell, North Carolina, 6684’
Sassafrass Mountain, South Carolina, 3563’
Humphreys Peak, Arizona, 12633’
Mauna Kea, Hawaii, 13796’
Mt. Whitney, California, 14491’
Boundary Peak, Nevada, 13416’
King’s Peak, Utah, 13528’
Black Mesa, Oklahoma, 4973’
Wheeler Peak, New Mexico, 13161’
Guadalupe Peak, Texas, 8750’
Charles Mound, Illinois, 1235’
Ebright Azimuth, Delaware, 447’
Hoye Crest, Maryland, 3360’
Katahdin, Maine, 5267’
Black Elk Peak, South Dakota, 7242’
White Butte, North Dakota, 3506’
Borah Peak, Idaho, 12662’
Mount Rainer, Washington, 14410’
Gannet Peak, Wyoming, 13804’
Granite Peak, Montana, 12807’
