With a name like Weekend Sherpa, it was only a matter of time before we did an Everest issue. Here are three lofty local adventures, inspired by the greatest mountain on the planet.  

Where's the best place to check out meteor showers? The top of the tallest mountain in the Bay Area, of course. At 4,209 feet, Mount Hamilton beats out Mount Diablo as the Bay Area's highest peak by 360 feet. And perched on its summit is the Lick Observatory, which has been looking to the heavens for 130 years. This place isn't open to the public at night—unless you can grab a ticket to one of their summer programs. Pre-registration for the Friday-night Summer Visitors Progam begins May 13. Lucky visitors can star search through the powerful 36-inch refractor or 40-inch nickel reflector telescopes. Those rings on Saturn never looked so clear! If you like a little live music with your stargazing, snag a ticket to the Music of the Spheres program. On six Saturday nights during the summer, Celtic, jazz, or Bolivian music add some spice to the night. These tickets go fast, so get ready.

The Lick Observatory is about an hour east of San Jose on Mt. Hamilton Rd. Pre-register for the Summer Visitor Program from May 13 to May 27; tickets are $5. Music of the Spheres tickets go on sale May 13 (V.I.P. and preferred) and May 20 (standard); tickets start at $30. Click here to see the dates of the programs, to register, and to buy tickets.

This is the hardest hike we've ever recommended. It's Northern California's Everest: Mount Shasta. Beginning and expert mountaineers alike can have fun on this dormant volcano. It's a 6-mile (one-way), 7,200-foot climb that includes a section called Misery Hill; the final 4,000 feet will require crampons and an ice ax. Still interested? Then get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Rising like a perfect pyramid, Mount Shasta stands at a commanding 14,162 feet and is one of the most popular non-technical summits in the country. Get all the info to make this trip happen through the U.S. Forest Service. The most popular route up is Avalanche Gulch on the southern flank of the mountain. But this spring's heat means quickly retreating snow; other non-technical routes like the West Face and Clear Creek will be the best option later in the season. All the necessary gear can be rented at one of the shops in town. If you've never used an ice ax or crampons, then check out one of the guide services like Shasta Mountain Guides. Onward and upward!

Mount Shasta is 300 miles north of San Francisco. Call the Mount Shasta Ranger station (530-926-4511) for current conditions and route recommendations. This year, May through mid-June is the best time to attempt a summit. Rent gear in the town of Mount Shasta at The Fifth Season (530-926-3606) or Shasta Base Camp (530-926-2359). Get a permit at the Mount Shasta Ranger station or The Fifth Season. Go with a guide through Shasta Mountain Guides (530-926-3117) or Sierra Wilderness Seminars (888-797-6867). Find out more information about climbing Mount Shasta through the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Northern California–born mountaineering-icon Conrad Anker has scaled most of the tallest mountains in the world, including summiting Mount Everest twice. We asked about his NorCal roots, favorite local hike, and outdoors wisdom.

What are your ties to Northern California?
My father's side of the family came to the area in 1853, providing supplies to miners and building Priest Station. I'm the fifth generation to grow up in Big Oak Flat, a stopover en route to Yosemite.

How does it feel to summit Everest?
I summited it in '99 and '07. The north side is slightly safer yet technically a bit more difficult than the south-side route. It tends to be cold and one has a hard time breathing. But all and all it isn't that crazy.

What's your favorite hike in Northern California?
The cable route on Half Dome in Yosemite.

Why?
I enjoy taking friends who have no experience with exposure. For me, the best is hiking down after climbing the steeper north face of the peak, but it's a great out-and-back hike too. Prepare for a long day if you are doing it from the Valley. Be aware of afternoon thundershowers.

Most of our readers have office jobs and just get to the outdoors on the weekend. What's your advice for encouraging people to get outdoors?
Plan a route, line up your partners, dial in your gear, prepare some nutritious food, drive carefully to the trailhead. Embark on a mini-adventure, bring your digi-camera to capture the adventure, make the summit (or other goal), return home, sleep soundly, and get back to the office with the biggest smile.

Repeat as needed.