Touring *

From Interstate 80 East, exit at Cummings Skyway. Turn left. After 0.5 miles, turn right on San Pablo Ave. San Pablo becomes Pomona Street. The trail starts at the Interstate 80 West on-ramp, just past the Dead Fish Restaurant. Park on the street nearby.

From Interstate 80 West, exit at the Crockett exit at the south end of the Al Zampa Bridge. The trail starts at the end of the exit ramp at Pomona Street. Park on the street nearby.

The new Carquinez (Al Zampa) Bridge includes a great bicycle and pedestrian path. Although not officially open to skaters, the excellent views of the Carquinez Strait and San Pablo Bay make this a worthwhile trip. You should be able to control your speed on moderate hills before attempting this.

You can start at either end of the bridge, but our trip describes the skate from the south end of the bridge. The trail starts on the west side of the freeway ramp on the southwest side of the bridge at Pomona Street. After a short downhill, the trail climbs moderately to the center of the bridge. Watch out for the wheel-eating expansion joints. Make a stop here to enjoy the great view to the west. Continue down the slight downhill to the viewpoint at the north end of the bridge. There is water and, when we last visited, port-a-potties available here. The trail continues, with a few rough spots, another half mile to the north where it ends at Maritime Academy Drive. Turn around here and return to the start.

If Bay Area trail advocates have their way, this bridge trail will be part of a loop that includes both sides of the Strait and the still under construction Bencia Bridge. What a great trail that would be!

• Carquinez Scenic Drive