Summary
Here is a summary of this remarkable destination, based on information from multiple independent sources.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: The monument boasts stunning landscapes, including towering cliffs, rugged canyons, and the pristine Missouri River. Its unspoiled beauty offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and appreciate the area's outstanding geological features.
2. Cultural and Historical Significance: The Upper Missouri River Breaks holds great cultural and historical importance. It was a vital transportation route during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and visitors can explore its rich Native American history and archaeological sites.
3. Outdoor Recreation: The monument provides various recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. It offers a chance to escape the noise of modern life and reconnect with nature.
Points of Interest:
1. The White Cliffs: These imposing, chalky white cliffs are a notable highlight of the monument. Rising up to 350 feet high, they create a dramatic and picturesque landscape that captivates visitors.
2. Hole in the Wall: This unique geologic formation is a natural arch that has been eroded by wind and water. It is a popular spot for photography and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
3. Fort Benton: Located near the monument, Fort Benton is a historic town that served as the head of navigation on the Missouri River. Visitors can explore its museums and learn about its role in the region's history.
Interesting Facts:
1. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument covers an expansive area of over 377,000 acres, making it one of the largest national monuments in the United States.
2. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, and more than 200 species of birds.
3. The monument is renowned for its dark skies, making it an ideal destination for stargazing and astrophotography.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons. These periods offer pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. However, it's essential to check weather and water conditions before embarking on any outdoor activities, as the region can experience extreme weather changes.
Please note that as information may change over time, it is always recommended to verify the details and plan your visit accordingly by referring to the official website of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument or other authoritative sources.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
James Kipp
|
||
JAMES KIPP RECREATION AREA
|
||
James Kipp Recreation Area - UMRBNM
|