Topic: Hiking and Backpacking

Thirty ideas from people under 30: The Environmentalists

They are explorers and activists, artists and educators, farmers and faith leaders – even mayors. And they have trenchant suggestions on how to improve the world.

7 children's picture books we think you'll really like

These 7 picture books are among the best of late 2011

Sean Penn plays a role in US hikers release from Iran

Sean Penn, according to a source, played a key role behind the scenes to help obtain the release of two US hikers from an Iranian prison. Sean Penn has been involved in other social issues in the past.

Falling satellite: 10 times space junk has crashed into Earth

Falling satellite trackers at NASA say it will hit Friday night or Saturday morning and has a small chance of crashing in the US. But the precise track and timing of the falling satellite is still hard to predict. Falling space junk has happened before, however, including these 10 examples.

US hikers freed: Timeline of key events

The two US hikers remaining in Iranian custody, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, were released today after more than two years of detention. Here are the key points in their saga.

Yosemite waterfall accident a cautionary tale for Yosemite visitors

The loss of three young adults at a waterfall in Yosemite National Park this week is a tragedy for their families and a warning to tourists wanting to edge closer to the power and beauty of nature, at Yosemite or elsewhere.

Yellowstone grizzly attack: Why did it happen?

Yellowstone grizzly attack may result from two converging trends: More visitors to Yellowstone National Park and the rebounding grizzly bear population.

The Himalayas' Little Tel Aviv

There are so many Israeli backpackers making a temporary home in one town in the Indian Himalayas that locals are worried the town is losing its distinct culture.

10 books to read before you go to Italy this summer

It seems that new travel guides to Italy are being published every five minutes or so. But for those who want to keep it simple, here are the handful of absolute must-read books – three classic novels included – that no tourist to Italy should ever be without.

California storms bring inconvenience, not devastation, so far

First responders are busy but not overwhelmed by rain storms that have lashed California for five days. Preparedness efforts include ways to channel mudslides, should they strike roads or homes.

5 irresistible children's picture books

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been reading or how grown-up you think you’ve become – children’s picture books remain one of the greatest delights a reader can experience.

127 Hours: movie review

James Franco plays Aron Ralston in ‘127 hours,’ a visceral retelling of a man facing calamity.

Five bombshells from WikiLeaks' Iraq war documents

In the largest document leak in US history, WikiLeaks has released more than 400,000 secret US documents about the Iraq war. As with the second-largest leak in US history – the 92,000 Afghan war documents released in July – much of the substance of the leaks has been reported already, but details are new.

Click through the following slides to learn what the documents reveal.

Mountain goat attack in Washington kills hiker

After a deadly mountain goat attack in Washington, authorities say the goat was known as aggressive.

How 5 countries celebrate Eid al-Fitr and the end of Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr began at sunset Thursday, when the crescent of a new moon first showed over the Middle East. The three-day feast celebrates the end of the a month-long period of Ramadan's fasting and prayer. Here is how five countries ring in Eid al-Fitr.

Iran to release one of three US hikers amid pressures at home and abroad

In addition to facing outside pressures on nuclear initiatives and human rights issues such as the US hikers, Iranian officials still fear the opposition Green Movement at home.

In ironic twist, Iran detained US hikers critical of Israel and America

Just before Iran arrested three US hikers a year ago Saturday, one of them – Shane Bauer – had nearly finished an exposé on Israeli military aggression.

Jack Hanna wards off grizzly bear with pepper spray

Jack Hanna said he's been carrying pepper spray on hikes for 15 years, but Saturday was the first time he's used it.

Superstition Mountains search turns up no sign of missing men

Superstition Mountains, the possible home of the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, were searched by authorities looking for 3 missing Utah men.

Bear attack in Kentucky; bear still at large

Bear attack: The black bear remained on the loose Tuesday despite traps set after the animal mauled a hiker in the first recorded bear attack on a human in Kentucky.