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.