Unspoiled and rugged, the lands of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument stretch across almost 375,000 acres in central Montana. Towering cliffs—their slopes fragrant with the sharp smell of sagebrush—flank the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, which flows for 149 miles through the monument. A spectacular array of animals and plants calls this area home, taking advantage of the life-sustaining coulees (natural runoff or drainage areas) that abound.

No less notable for its history than for its wildlife, the Upper Missouri River Breaks region was first documented in 1805 by Lewis and Clark, who traveled the river during their expedition west. There, the explorers encountered Native Americans, who had lived in the area for many years. The land later became a source of hope and inspiration for early American settlers, not to mention a sanctuary for outlaws eager to hide in the labyrinth of the badlands. Fur trappers and traders, too, could be seen moving their goods downriver, waters that would later reflect the distinctive designs of modern steamboats powering along. The unique character of the Upper Missouri River Breaks continues to flavor the local lifestyle, boosting the regional economy through tourism and other industries.

Since 2001, when a Presidential proclamation designated the area a national monument, the Bureau of Land Management has managed these lands as part of the National Landscape Conservation System.