Fitness * Historic * Slalom * Artistic *

From Interstate 280 heading south from downtown San Francisco, take the Serramonte Boulevard exit, turning left onto Serramonte. In less than a mile, you'll come to El Camino Real. Turn right to get to your destination, the Cypress Lawn Cemetery. From Interstate 280 heading north from the south bay, exit onto Hickey Boulevard and follow it west less than a mile to El Camino Real. Turn left onto El Camino Real and look for Cypress Lawn about half a mile up, on both sides of the road. Park on the shoulder.

Colma's claim to fame is its dead, not living, residents. Cemeteries line both sides of El Camino Real, and it may seem like a bizarre place to skate, but several of these cemeteries are also beautiful parks. Cypress Lawn is the best, thanks to the smooth pavement that winds its way past monuments and mausoleums, all surrounded by well-tended grounds. You won't find many flat spots, and in fact, some of the roads get pretty steep. This translates into great fun for slalom skaters but trouble for beginners. Olivet Memorial Park is a better choice for those who aren't ready for the Cypress hills. You'll find it at Hillside Boulevard and Olivet Parkway. The pavement is not quite as good, but the hills are less steep. Although it looks tempting, avoid Woodlawn Cemetery, where the pavement is quite bad. Note: if you do choose to skate at Colma or any of the other cemeteries, please respect those who are visiting for more serious reasons.