CA Inline Skating - Explanations

Mileage

Approximate round trip total.

Scenic Beauty

A path through gorgeous natural scenery will be rated four suns (or are those skate wheels?) whether it's in a national park, a suburban neighborhood, or a city park. Trails set in industrial areas or by a concrete culvert might rate only one sun, but we include it for other assets, such as length for distance training.

Skating Ability

The ability ratings are based on such conditions as trail width, steepness of inclines, pavement quality, stairs, and proximity to passing cars. When a tour has a variety of levels this rating reflects the highest ability needed.

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Basic stroking, wide turns, standing in place, and a minimum ability to stop on flat pavement.

Add tight turns, stop within 15 feet at 8 mph, manage curbs, debris, minor obstacles and uneven pavement, and skate across wood-slat bridges.

Add ability to negotiate rough pavement and stairs, skate alongside traffic, skate up long hills, control speed going downhill, and stop and swerve at high speed.

Need to improve?

Skating isn't very fun if you can't stop or control your speed going downhill Learn these liberating skills and others that will help you avoid injury on our sister site, Get Rolling. It offers everything from stopping tips to an archive of newsletter articles to books and lessons, all dedicated to increasing safety and fun for the avid recreational skater.

Pavement Quality

If a trail contains a combination of surfaces, its rating reflects the most predominant type. Since our original research in 1995, tree roots, shifting concrete, sun and water may have caused rough surfaces. But since the trails are extended and repaved all the time, chances are equal that you'll find better or worse pavement than our ratings.

Smooth

Rough

Mostly smooth surfaces, such as concrete in good repair or fine-grade asphalt.

Mostly acceptable surfaces, such as most asphalt trails and some newly paved streets.

Expect some rough or rocky surfaces, or cracks or raised slabs caused by tree roots or shifting earth.

Ideal For...

Although these routes are primarily for touring, the "Ideal For" rating shows what other activities the well-rounded skater might enjoy, from slaloming to socializing.

Touring A great route for sightseeing and exploring at a casual pace.	Figure / Stunts Large, flat, smoothly paved pads or parking lots. These may be used by cars during business hours.
Beginners Flat, smooth terrain with no cars. Places like ths may be crowded with rookie skaters on weekends.	Hills / Slalom Hills and thrills--bring your rubber-tipped ski poles and a fresh heel brake pad.
Fitness / Speed Longer routes with varied terrain, intersections, and the possibility of hills.	Inline Hockey Rink-sized pavement, used regularly by local enthusiasts with sticks and pucks.
Road / Street Routes that require you to skate near automobile traffic, without benefit of dedicated bike lanes.	Scene Known to be a hot spot where skaters congregate to socialize and show off.
Historic A historically rich area. Plan to slow down and take in the sights and culture.

About Maps

In some towns, the local transportation department or chamber of commerce offers a map showing commuter bike paths--these are the best for skating. Otherwise, any detailed city map will help you find your way to the routes described on this site. We suggest the Thomas Guide map series, available in bookstores, supermarkets and map stores around the state. If you're a member of the California State Automobile Association, (CSAA) [insert url] you can pick up free local and regional maps at th local CSAA office in most towns.