Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
Overview
This national monument covers about 377,000 acres of BLM-administered public land in central Montana. These lands hold a spectacular array of plant life, wildlife, unique geological features, endless recreational opportunities, and significant historical and cultural values. The rugged landscape has retained much of its unspoiled character over the centuries and, as a result, offers outstanding opportunities for solitude and dispersed recreation. In some areas, the BLM lands are intermingled with State of Montana lands and private property. The monument designation applies only to the BLM-managed lands.
The land and the rugged, surrounding uplands (commonly call the Missouri Breaks) are defined in part by their history. The entire region was the homeland and lifeblood of American Indians. The river served as the pathway for Lewis and Clark, then the waterway for steamboats and an attraction for fur trappers and traders. Later, the river and the Missouri Breaks were sanctuaries for desperados trying to stay a step ahead of the law. The land was also a source of hope and inspiration for several generations of homesteaders.
Planning Your Visit
Today, the public lands in the Monument make a significant contribution to the local lifestyle and the regional economy. Within the Monument, you can float the river, fish, hike, hunt, drive for pleasure, find a little solitude, enjoy a sense of exploration, or simply marvel at the variety of resources around you. If you cannot float the Upper Missouri or visit the backcountry, you'll still be able to experience the cultural and natural history.
Vast portions of the Monument are serviced only by graveled and unimproved roads. Much of the Monument is not accessible by any road, inviting visitors to explore on foot. Some of the roads are not suitable for low-clearance vehicles, and many roads cross soils that become absolutely impassable when wet. Off-road driving (cross-country travel) is not allowed in the Monument.
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Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
The National Monument has parking areas surfaced in gravel or hard-packed dirt at several sites along the Upper Missouri River. Although not designated as accessible, these parking areas should be suitable for users of wheelchairs and other mobility devices. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some of these sites as road conditions change with the weather.
Cell phone reception is minimal to nonexistent in the Monument.
Decision Point
This site has a flat gravel parking area with a concrete pad that leads to a dirt path, which transitions to a compacted gravel pathway taking visitors to 2 scenic overlooks.
The part of the path leading to the Marias River overlook is relatively flat and about 250 feet long. As it continues on to the overlook at the confluence of the Marias and Missouri rivers, the path, which is about 4/10 of a mile from the parking area, has a steeper incline. The grade varies from 10 to 17 degrees with an elevation gain of 39 feet.
There are 3 interpretive panels and 2 benches without armrests along the path.
There is no toilet or running water at this site.
Coal Banks Landing
Accessibility details are available on the BLM visit page for this site.
Descriptions and photos uploaded April 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Phone
Activities
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
The "Breaks" begins at historic Fort Benton on U.S. Highway 87 and ends 149 miles later where the Robinson Bridge on U.S. Highway 191 crosses the Missouri River.