Eco-tourism may be good news for sharks

Imagine swimming in crystalline ocean waters shot through with sunlight when one of Earth's most notorious predators swims into view — a very close view.

Hike a national park without leaving home

No doubt you’re familiar with Street View, the Google Maps technology that lets you travel along city streets via your computer or smartphone screen.

'Vomit Comet' roller coaster could bring weightless thrills to Earth

Think about the tallest, wildest roller coaster you've ever been on. If a Southern California design firm has its way, you haven't felt anything yet.

Small resorts go after big-time competitors

With bleak snowfall at Colorado's biggest ski resorts, the nation's smaller ski areas are moving in for the kill — and tourist dollars.

No snow? Ski season in Switzerland stalled

Switzerland's ski resorts, already beleaguered by the strong Swiss franc, are grappling with another obstacle — no snow.

A hiker's-eye view of Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave, the world's largest cave system, winds through more than 365 miles of discovered passageways.

Parks in peril: budget impasse could take a major toll

Released on Thursday, “Made in America: Investing in National Parks for Our Heritage and Our Economy” highlights the ruinous effects federal budget cuts are having on the national park system.

Half Dome survivors wish they had taken heed

Armando Castillo knew he should not attempt the last treacherous stretch up Half Dome with storm clouds looming. But he felt he had come too far not to accomplish his goal.

Dig this! Treasure tourists seek riches

Tourists are taking advantage of some shovel-ready stimulus packages anyone seeking instant riches will really dig. It's called treasure tourism, and it's taken off in recent years.

Popular Las Vegas zip line expanding

The zip line that soars through Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas has proven so successful in just one year that the attraction is being expanded.

Get lost! Heli-hiking vacations take off

Heli-hiking — in which hikers hitch a ride to the remote backcountry via helicopter — has taken off, with two Canadian companies reporting a 25 percent to 30 percent increase in visitors over the past year.

Volunteers give back to Mount Rainier park

In six years, retirees Jim and Carol Miltimore have logged more than 12,000 volunteer hours making Mount Rainier National Park cleaner, more accessible and ever-luscious.