Curving roadways that respond to the topography and scenery of the natural landscape have been a goal of designers and landscape engineers for a long time, even prior to the creation of the National Park Service. So it wasn't unusual for early park road designers seek to preserve both public safety and natural beauty. You'll find this to be true with the transportation systems exhibited here. They are remarkable in their treatment of the landscape, yet effective in moving visitors throughout the park and providing convenient access to popular destinations.

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Generals Highway is a rustic mountain road which winds through the scenic western edge of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Constructed during 1921-1935 as a major transportation route, the highway was still greatly influenced by topography and points of scenic and historic interest. It travels through four distinct areas: Ridgetop, Switchback, Kaweah Canyon, and the Big Tree Area. Each offers unique road characteristics and visual experiences.

In the area from Giant Forest to the General Sherman Tree the road blends into the gently rolling terrain with wide sweeping curves. The visitor's experience along this corridor is dominated by the Giant Sequoias, and the spatial sense of enclosure created by the trees' height and crowns.

Road construction in Zion National Park was the collaborative effort of the Union Pacific Railroad, National Park Service, Utah Road Commission, and Bureau of Public Roads. Construction began in 1920. When completed it was part of a loop tour connecting Zion, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The system enabled tourists to visit a series of parks on an interconnected, modern network of highways.

Images link you to more details about these TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM features!