Backroads through "The Breaks" ? (Lincoln, North Platte: vehicles, areas, cemetery)

[Ghengis]

...at least that's what I believe the area to the south of the Platte River between Gothenburg (NE-47) and North Platte (US-83) is called. We will have an hour or two to explore the canyon roads in July (don't have 4 X 4) and wanted to take the time to explore some of the canyon roads I see such as Brady/Moorfield, Snell Canyon, Cottonwood or Box Elder, but I don't think we have the time to drive all the way to NE-23 to pick up one of the others for a return trip. Is the road (McClellan Rd) that connects Brady/Moorfield with Snell Canyon suitable for passenger vehicles?

We intend to drive most of the paved route to the south of the Platte in this area but was looking for a diversion into these hills as well and would like to be near the Ft McPherson Nat'l Cemetery at some point.

Are any of the Wildlife Management Areas (Snell, Cotttonwood, Box Elder Canyons) or the Jeffrey Reservoir worth a visit?

The canal that runs just to the North of these breaks seems very interesting to me, what is it called? Looks like in some areas Google will route you along it but in some areas it does not appear driveable.

http://goo.gl/maps/1O44z

[Mr Miker]

McClellan Road is a good road, it might be kind of rutty this time of year and when there is snow and ice it gets a little tough on some of the steeper hills.

There is also another neat road I used to drive years ago that had some tough spots, but the recent satellite images looks like they improved it, called Government Pocket road which comes off of Snell Canyon Rd on your route. Take that to Cottonwood Rd, then Effenbeck and zig zag around on a couple other roads to get to Box Elder Canyon Rd.

I used to spend a lot of time driving on these roads whenever I needed to get the heck out of North Platte for an afternoon. If you're looking for a fun drive north of NP try this one: U.S. 30 E/Lincoln Hwy to State Hwy 70/U.S.83 N/Blue Star Memorial Hwy - Google Maps You might need some ground clearance and 4x4 though, and even though it is a two track road with cattle guards and gates (if they are closed make sure to close them behind you) it looks like a private road but it is actually a public road.