So you’re hunting grid squares? This can be a challenge, especially if your mode of choice is FM satellite. If you want to know what the very rare grids are, this compiled list should help you.
It should be noted that this is a personal list, and not based on statistics. There are 488 grid squares according to the Fred Fish Memorial Award (FFMA). The FFMA is for 488 grid squares on 6 meters. If you like working the magic band go check that one out.
Of the 488 grid squares in the continental US, this author has worked 442, with 46 left to go, at the time of this article. Of those 46 grids, nine have been chosen as the hardest to get, and considered the rarest of all 488 grids.
The list of the rarest grid squares in the US, in no particular order:
- EL58 – Louisiana – Pretty sure you need a boat. It’s the very tip of the river delta, and it doesn’t look like there are any improved roads.
- EN58 – Michigan/Wisconsin – Most of the land in this grid is in the northern half of Isle Royale, which is the most remote and inaccessible National Park we have in the lower 48. There is a little slice of Wisconsin in there, but it is rural and barren of ham radio operators it seems. The rest of the land mass in this grid is in Canada, which doesn’t count.
- DL88 – Texas – Only a sliver of Texas is in this grid, right near the top, the rest being Mexico. This land is part of Big Bend National Park, but not part of the park anyone really goes to. Good luck with this one.
- CM93 – California – Consisting of just the most remote part of Santa Rosa Island is what makes this grid hard to get. The good thing is that it does have public access, which is something that the next grid does not.
- DM02 – California – San Clemente Island is owned by the US Navy, and it is no surprise that they don’t let people on it to play ham radio. The exception is on Field Day, a small group usually operates from the island.
- CM79 – California – This one is pretty self evident as to why it is rare. Of all the grids this one probably has the least amount of land mass in the grid. Just hope for a maritime mobile QSO or try to sked something. This grid just hurts to look at.
- CN75 – Oregon – You would think there would be chances to get this grid, as there are roads and housing. There just aren’t many active hams though and it is rare to see a spot alert pop up, and even rarer to catch someone when you can hear them from Michigan. It might be propagation or bad luck, but this one has been very elusive to get.
- EN67 – Michigan – This is the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. There is nothing but nature preserves and parks. The one thing that this grid has going for it is there are two POTA parks and a campground in Copper Harbor, and if you’re lucky you’ll get someone doing POTA at a park. Otherwise there are very few hams who live in the area.
- EN86 – Michigan – While there is a large amount of land mass in this grid, it is mostly Canada. Only the northern part of Drummond Island, which is rugged and remote, and a small slice of the Upper Peninsula sit in this grid. While Drummond Island has some POTA parks in the grid, they are rarely activated. Most travelers are 4×4 enthusiasts that like the challenge of the rocky terrain. The village of De Tour also is nearby, but with a population of less than 300 people, it’s not a hotbed of radio hobbyists it seems.
What did you think of the list? Are there other grids you think are rarer than the ones on this list? MIRATS would love to hear from you. If you want to hang out and talk radio and technology just follow the link to the Discord server. Everyone is welcome.
73!