Sometimes half the fun of a Sherpa outing is the meal or drink afterwards. End your hike by wetting your whistle at one of these three laid-back Old West saloons that date back to the nineteenth century. Giddyup!
In the shadow of Mt. Diablo lies the tiny town of Clayton, where an authentic cowboy saloon awaits your patronage. The Clayton Club Saloon—134 years young—is a rough-and-tumble throwback to the horse-and-buggy days, with cowboy boots worn by many a colorful character hanging in abundance from the ceiling. Belly up to the bar or shoot some pool. Earn extra style points by drinking a beer out of a cowboy boot (BYOB: bring your own boot). Locals and visitors mix it up at this historic watering hole and the folks are friendly. Leather taste buds included.
THIRST-BUILDER: Mt Diablo sets a dramatic backdrop for Clayton, with hiking trails literally starting from town. Pack your hiking boots and head out on the nearby waterfall loop trail. Back on the green slopes of Donner Canyon, the recent rains have made the creeks high and the waterfalls flowing.
Clayton Club Saloon, 6096 Main St., Clayton; 925-673-0440.
To reach the waterfalls loop trail: From Walnut Creek, take Ygnacio Valley Rd. 8 miles east to Clayton Rd. Stay on Clayton Rd., which turns into Marsh Creek Rd. (don't turn right at the first sign for Marsh Creek Rd.), until it intersects Regency Dr. Turn right onto Regency Dr. The trailhead is at the end of the road. Hike the Donner Canyon fire-road south. After about 1 mile, you'll come to the Meridian Ridge and Cardinet Oaks fire-road junction; turn right onto Meridian Ridge. After a few hundred feet, turn left onto the Middle Trail, which climbs up and connects to the Falls Trail. Continue on the Falls Trail, which ends at Cardinet Oaks. Turn left and take this back to the Donner Canyon fire-road. For a map of Mt. Diablo and more info, click here.
The fact that coastal Bolinas remains determinedly off the map makes it all the more enticing for a day-trip drop-in. But that's not the only reason to visit this Marin village. Its 157-year-old bar, Smiley's Schooner Saloon, has an appeal that's hard to find in bars nowadays. With its four-columned porch, two outdoor benches, and a large upper deck decorated with a lattice of white lights and the American flag, Smiley's just looks like an Old West saloon making good on its time. Inside the atmosphere is lively and civil, with a bar menu to match any libation. One of the oldest bars in California, Smiley's has been serving hooch since before the Civil War. Outside, neighborhood dogs patiently wait while their owners shoot the breeze and take their whiskey shots, or just chug some good old brews.
THIRST-BUILDER: The Bolinas waterfront is nice for beach strolling or longboard surfing. For the former, pack a blanket and some snacks to enjoy the lapping waves at this foggy enclave. Walk to the beach right from town. For a clockwise loop, keep walking southeast past Smiley's where the road ends and the beach begins.
Smiley's Schooner Saloon, 41 Wharf Rd., Bolinas; 415-868-1311. Bolinas is 30 miles north of San Francisco. On Highway 1, 4.5 miles after Stinson Beach, make a left onto Olema-Bolinas Rd. Continue on this (by making two left turns) into Bolinas.
Just off Highway 1 on the San Mateo coast, the San Gregorio General Store manages to miss most of the tourist traffic—and likes it that way. Eclectic is the word for this former stagecoach stop,  which offers everything from Levi's to literary novels to 18 different kinds of tequila, and of course, good old-fashioned company from the bar staff. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, warm up next to the fire and enjoy live music with a line-up as diverse as its clientele. Irish R&B anyone?
THIRST-BUILDER: Five miles south of San Gregorio, where the river meets the sea, Pescadero Marsh has a network of tranquil walking paths. One of the nicest ways to get into the heart of this 588-acre state-park sanctuary is the Sequoia Audubon Trail. This wetlands preserve is an important winter home for over 200 species of birds. Look for blue herons sitting in the eucalyptus trees.
San Gregorio General Store, Highway 84 and Stage Rd., San Gregorio; 650-726-0565. San Gregorio is 11 miles south of Half Moon Bay, off Highway 84.
To reach the Sequoia Audubon Trail, from Highway 1 turn into the second parking for Pescadero State Beach, just south of the bridge. Walk north, back across the bridge, and down the trail to the riverbed. Walk under the bridge and follow trail signs.
Nearly one million Americans are currently battling blood cancers. And to think, all you need to do to help them is to take a hike. From the people who brought you Team In Training comes  Hike For Discovery, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's new adventure fundraising program that has beginning and seasoned hikers lacing up their boots and loving the scenery. They'll train you to trek in some of the West's most breathtaking places, including the world-class waterfall trails in Yosemite and the glorious gorges of the Grand Canyon. Along the way you'll make new friends, enjoy the great outdoors, and meet "honored hikers"–cancer patients and survivors who will inspire you.
Put one foot in front of the other and help us find a cure. Come to an information meeting to learn more.
Saturday, February 2, 9:30 a.m.: Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera
Saturday, February 2, 2:30 p.m.: Trudeau Building, Oakland
Monday, February 4, 6:30 p.m.: Potrero Hill Sports Basement, San Francisco
Wednesday, February 6, 6:30 p.m.: San Ramon Community Center, San Ramon
Thursday, February 7, 6:30 p.m.: Clif Bar, Berkeley
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