I do know someone who really seems to like the Kenda HTR Bearclaws. He feels they are equally as good as the original Maxxis Big Horns but at a lower cost. But, he also rides a PoPo and doesn't like Grizzly bikes even though he has consistently replaced his PoPo machines every 3 or so years., last time because the PoPo model he had was having lots of engine failures. Not sure if there is a weight difference between the two but I've personally never used the Bearclaws, they do look good.
Another tire that looks good would be the Pitbull Growler.
@reogem runs those and really seems to like them. IIRC, those are 8-ply and definitely heavier than the Big Horns even though the Big Horns aren't light. Big Horns being 6-ply. When I was shopping for tires a few years ago, the Growlers were more expensive than the Big Horns.
I've been very happy with my Big Horns which are highly regarded here on GC. I did slice a hole in my right front BH and had to replace that tire. Would an 8-ply avoided that slice? Who knows.
For the Rocky Mountains, if I were shopping again today, it would most likely be between the Growlers and Big Horns. If money was tight, I would take a serious look at the Bearclaws and see the longevity riders were getting out of them. And, I'd probably still end up buying a set of Big Horns.