Box Butte County Section Line Road
Survey grid roads through homestead country
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4100 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Alliance, Nebraska |
| Land manager | Box Butte County |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my stock Subaru Outback handle the Section Line Road?
You'll need higher clearance than that - stock high-clearance vehicles like 4Runners or pickups are the minimum. The dirt roads can get rutted and sandy in spots.
Is this trail passable in winter?
Avoid December through March when snow drifts can block the dirt roads and make navigation impossible. Best access is April through November.
Do I need permits to drive the Box Butte County section lines?
No permits required - these are county-maintained public roads. Just follow standard Leave No Trace principles around the historic homestead sites.
What's the most challenging part of this route?
The sandy sections can be soft after rain, and some creek crossings may have loose approaches. Overall it's an easy trail with no technical obstacles.
How's cell service for navigation out there?
Cell service is spotty throughout most of the route, so download offline maps before you head out. The rural Nebraska terrain doesn't have great tower coverage.