Nastiest Mountain Ranges in North America

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Apr 17, 2018
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This is the backcountry army of knowledge in my opinion.... so what is everyone’s thoughts on the gnarliest more rugged ranges or smaller sub/branching chains of mountains in North America where you’ve hunted, hiked, or camped?
 

Salmon River Solutions

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Hells canyon is pretty gnarly. Drastic changes from desert on the the snake river to the top where you have extremely steep rock faces and mountain lakes.

The Frank is super remote and inaccessible. Hard to say what is the most gnarly, but I’ve only explored around Idaho.

I guess we should be saying the Seven devils range, instead of Hells Canyon.


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Azone

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Apr 21, 2018
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Northern Nevada
Selway, better none as the "Hellway" to me and my friend that hunt it. That place is just something that has to be experienced at least once in November.
 
OP
BeastOfTheTrees
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Selway, better none as the "Hellway" to me and my friend that hunt it. That place is just something that has to be experienced at least once in November.

Which side? Or is Selway considered the Idaho side
 

slick

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Absaroka-Beartooths. Although the Plateau can be semi easy boulder hopping.

Sawtooths and Tetons gotta be up there.

I think the Grand Canyon is pretty desolate and rugged in spots- all the crazy slot canyons and such. Paria River country
 
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Cascades can be hell to bushwhack through, 'specially in early spring...
Sawtooths and Seven Devils are definitely gnar-nia...
Uintas and Snake Range (NV) are a lot of fun, pretty low pressure the times I was there...
 

carter33

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Apr 12, 2017
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Fairbanks
I think the Chugach and Alaska mountain ranges are the two most rugged areas I’ve ever hunted/climbed around in.


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Definitely agree with the Chugach, trying to get to alpine from sea level with a pack is a nightmare.
 

wyosam

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Chugach, Alaska Range, Beartooths, Frank Church, Selway, some of the remote off-trail areas of the Absoroka. Someone mentioned the Tetons- while I agree they are rugged, they just aren't that big (they are tall, but it is a small range). You can hike across them E-W in a long day, and N-S in 3 or so.
 

Danomite

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Dec 8, 2016
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New Mexico
I don’t know if they really qualify as a mountain range, but the Floridas in southern NM are the most rugged mountains I’ve ever been in.
 

Elkangle

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Jun 16, 2016
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I don’t know if they really qualify as a mountain range, but the Floridas in southern NM are the most rugged mountains I’ve ever been in.

Headed there this January...I've been to alot of the areas mentioned above and after looking at maps the Floridas look pretty frustrating...maybe not remote but def inhospitable
 
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