Box Butte County Section Line Road

Box Butte County’s section line roads follow the original government survey grid laid out in the 1880s, creating a network of dirt tracks that crisscross the sandhills between Alliance and Hemingford. These ruler-straight roads climb over sandy ridges and drop into hay meadows where old windmills still turn in the constant Nebraska wind. The route passes several abandoned homestead sites and connects to the historic Mormon Trail ruts near Bayard.

Easy driving for stock vehicles with decent ground clearance—the main challenge is navigation since many roads aren’t marked and GPS can be sketchy in the deeper valleys. Avoid after heavy rains when the clay bottomland turns to gumbo. Spring and fall offer the best weather and wildflower displays. No permits required, and landowners are generally tolerant of respectful travelers. Fuel and supplies available in Alliance or Hemingford.