Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway

Experience the majestic vistas of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument with a trip through the Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway, where wild forests and the great American prairie converge upon vast coulees etched into the earth by the wild Missouri River. This route traverses one of the most geologically unique, remote, and historically significant areas in Montana, virtually unchanged from when explorers Lewis and Clark described the area as "Mauvaise Terres, the 'Bad Lands.' " Be Prepared! The byway is unpaved and many sections are recommended for high clearance vehicles (4x4) only. Traveling the byway is not recommended after heavy rains, during winter months or snowy conditions, or periods of heavy spring runoff. When wet, these clay-heavy dirt roads turn into slick mud surfaces (nicknamed “gumbo”) and seasonal creeks can quickly become impassable! Please, check local conditions before making the trip. Make sure you have enough fuel, food, and water for your trip. Cell phone coverage is limited. For a detailed walkthrough of the byway, please see our ArcGIS virtual tour Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway StoryMap. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/29fc3ec678e749b0a559b6c2fa9385b7