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BLM advises caution when driving in the Left Coulee-Bullwhacker area

Montana-Dakotas
North Central DO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument

LEWISTOWN, Mont. – The Bureau of Land Management reminds visitors to plan carefully and drive with caution when traveling in the Left Coulee-Bullwhacker area of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

The rugged roads and fragile landscape require responsible use to protect public safety, land health, and the area’s nationally significant resources.

“The Left Coulee-Bullwhacker area offers exceptional opportunities for recreation and solitude, but it is also a living landscape of fragile soils and priceless history,” said Becky Cooper, Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument manager. “Responsible travel protects the land, preserves our shared heritage, and keeps visitors safe.”

The Bullwhacker region contains steep coulees, sensitive soils, and remote backcountry routes that can become treacherous—especially after rain or snow. Wet conditions create slick clay surfaces and deep ruts that can trap vehicles and scar the land. Driving on saturated roads not only increases the risk of becoming stranded but also damages vegetation, destabilizes slopes, and accelerates erosion, affecting overall land health.

This area is also rich in cultural and historical significance, including Native American heritage sites and remnants of early homesteading and river-steamboat eras. Visitors are required to stay on designated routes to prevent disturbance of archaeological sites and to protect these irreplaceable cultural resources for future generations.

To help preserve the monument and ensure a safe visit, the BLM reminds visitors to:

  • Respect seasonal road closures, posted restrictions, and travel-management rules to safeguard wildlife habitat, soil stability, and cultural features.
  • Use high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles and avoid travel during or immediately after wet weather.
  • Carry extra fuel, food, water, and emergency supplies; cell phone coverage is extremely limited.
  • Travel in groups when possible and notify someone of your route and expected return time.
  • Leave artifacts where you find them and report any vandalism or looting to the BLM.

For more information about seasonal risks while traveling in the monument, call BLM staff at 406-622-4000.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.