Basics
- Length:
- 80 miles (128 km)
- Time:
- 2-3 hours
- Fees:
- There are no fees along the byway proper.
Description
The Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway traverses one ofthe most geologically unique and historically significant areas inMontana. Nature worked overtime here to fashion a ruggedlyspectacular landscape that was first described by Lewis and Clarkas "the Deserts of America." Fur traders would later refer to thissection of the Missouri River as Mauvaises Terres, the "BadLands."
The Byway leads the visitor to scenes overlooking the UpperMissouri National Wild & Scenic River. It was designated in1976 to preserve the very values that are so abundant along theByway. The Wild & Scenic River from Fort Benton down river tothe James Kipp Recreation area is the foremost component of theLewis & Clark National Historic Trail. The Byway northeast fromWinifred to Deweese Ridge closely follows the Nez Perce NationalHistoric Trail.