Respuesta :

Rugged terrain is the  factor keeps people from settling near the rocky mountains. Thank you for posting your question here at brainly. I hope the answer will help you. Feel free to ask more questions here.

Answer:

High and rugged terrain.

Explanation:

  • The rocky mountains are one of the tallest and most rugged and sparsely populated environments of North America. That stretch some 3000 miles of British Columbia to New Mexico.  
  • Due to the harsh weather and climatic extremes. Thus doesn't have a dense population as compared to the plains. Owning to the transportation and the medial needs and distance from the city centers.