Six climbers are feared dead from a fall of more than 3,000 feet at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, where they were on a route that took them along one of the more technical approaches to the summit.

Books have been written about the waning waters of the Colorado River drainage, and roughly $1 million has been spent to deepen boat channels at Lake Powell, but perhaps the best evidence symbolizing the plight of the once-majestic river is a photo from Space.

Treasures of history, culture, and natural beauty contained within the National Park System are increasingly at risk to the perils of climate change, with flooding and wildfire likely to sweep numerous park sites across the country, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

With the camping season upon us, be sure you pack accordingly. And if you're heading to Sequoia National Park, that means "for marching purposes, the sleeping bag will give better service on account of its compactness. ... For camping out, a mess kit, frying pan, coffee pot, dutch oven, or baking reflector is absolutely necessary." At least that's what the Interior Department recommended in 1912 in its booklet for "Sequoia and General Grant National Parks."