A few months ago, we asked readers to submit story ideas for a Weekend Sherpa outing. We narrowed the submissions down to three, explored the ideas on our own, and threw in a few extra details. Write on, Weekend Sherpa adventurers—this issue’s from you!  

Urbanites and Foodies unite. Savor a San Francisco hike 'n' eat expedition filled with classic views, tasty food, hidden stairways, and easy streets. Start at the Ferry Building—grab a coffee to go at Blue Bottle Coffee and stock up on picnic edibles: Acme for bread, Cowgirl Creamery for cheese, and the Wine Merchant for something to wash it all down with. Walk north along the Embarcadero and pop into TCHO's Beta Store for "obsessively good chocolate" on Pier 17; taste test Citrus and Chocolatey, some of our favorites. Cross the street at Pier 23, cutting through Levi's Plaza, where the water fountains and benches seem weekend-lonely. Ascend the concrete and wooden Filbert Steps (at Sansome and Filbert), past quaint cottages tucked among a jungle of gardens and vegetation. Top out at Coit Tower, cross the parking lot and descend the stairs to Greenwich Street. Hungry now? Take a right on Grant and make a bee-line for one of San Francisco's tiny but mighty picnic spots: Jack Early Park (just north of Chestnut Street). At the top of the stairs are two seats with views spanning the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge. Head back via a right on Stockton, (briefly) through Fisherman's Wharf, and back down the Embarcadero. Delicious day-hike, done.

Story idea from Sevilla Granger.

The historic Claremont Hotel in the Berkeley Hills is known for its sweeping views of the Bay; but directly behind it the 208-acre preserve known as the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve offers you an even better vista. First, you'll need to go up: the Stonewall-Panoramic Trail climbs steeply for 3/4 mile, to the best view in the park. Claremont Canyon may be compact but it offers the kind of untrammeled solitude you wouldn't expect from a place that's just minutes from a busy city. Relax on the lone bench at the top, taking in views of the Bay and the San Francisco skyline. Decide if you'd like to explore more of the preserve or just head back the way you came.

BONUS: Head up there for a sunset viewing and watch as the sun breaks over the Golden Gate Bridge during "the magic hour."

Park along Tanglewood Rd. and start walking on Tanglewood Path (map). Dog-friendly!

Story idea from Kiranjit Sekhon.

Does your ideal multi-day hike end with a good meal, a glass of wine, and a comfortable bed? Check out Walkabout California, an itinerary planning site for hikers who want to travel light and stay at inns along the way. Father and daughter hiking dynamos Tom and Emily Courtney were inspired by Europe's flair for inn-to-inn walking vacations, so they created Walkabout for the California crowd—featuring plans and maps for some of state's best inn-to-inn treks. Routes include a four-day trip along the Marin coast—from the Headlands to Point Reyes, with overnights at charmers like the Pelican Inn and the Olema Inn, where arriving just in time for happy hour is part of the agenda. All inn for a good time!

TIP: Walkabout California also offers inn-to-inn hike itineraries in the Sierras, Lassen Park, and the Mendocino Coast.

For more information, visit www.walkaboutcalifornia.com. Itineraries cost $5 per download.

Story idea from Tom Courtney.

It's a fact: Running, walking, and run-walking are three sports that do your body good. Need a kick in the pants to get you started? Team In Training (TNT) will get you footloose for a good cause. In 3–5 months, they'll train you to run or walk a half or full marathon with confidence and exuberance, supported by expert coaches, fitness pros, and awesome teammates. Not only will you get in shape, feel great, and meet new friends, you'll also be fighting to give blood cancers the big boot! To get in on the fun, just come to an Information Meeting to learn more, and choose an upcoming event (see below). Remember, these events aren't just for runners; race-walking is also encouraged! As long as you're out there, putting your feet to the ground to kick blood cancers to the curb! Ready to join the Team? The final TNT meetings of the season are happening within the next week—get to one soon!

Upcoming Events Include:

Want to start off with a half marathon? The Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco sold out months ago, but TNT can still get you into the half distance (13.1 miles) run.

Want to take on a full marathon (26.2 miles)? Good on ya! Combine it with some beach time at the Santa Barbara International Marathon or the Honolulu Marathon.


The final TNT meetings of the season are happening within the next week—get to one soon!

Click here for Info Meetings happening now in San Francisco, Marin, the East Bay, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties.

Click here for Info Meetings happening now in the Peninsula, South Bay, Monterey Bay, or Santa Cruz.