July 31 2024, a 39-year-old ultrarunner vanished in the rugged North Cascades National Park during a 20-mile trail run. Minimally equipped, he became disoriented on wildfire-altered trails, surviving 30 days on berries and river water. Despite extensive searches by sheriff’s deputies, park rangers, and a helicopter, the park’s dense forests and remote terrain hid him. A trail crew’s chance discovery saved his life as he lay emaciated on a riverbank. Join us this week as we learn about the incred...
Jun 27, 2025•59 min•Ep. 144
April 2010, a young American backpacker set out alone on a trek through Nepal’s scenic Langtang Valley. She was last seen confidently hiking along a popular trail but then vanished without a trace. Despite exhaustive searches, not a single piece of evidence emerged. This disappearance remains one of Nepal’s most puzzling mysteries, leaving her family still searching for answers more than a decade later. Was it a tragic accident, or did she fall victim to something darker? Join us this week as we...
Jun 14, 2025•55 min•Ep. 143
In July 1999, a 34-year-old book editor from New York set out for a day hike near Comet Falls in Mount Rainier National Park. Despite clear skies, he left the main trail and entered rugged, snow-covered terrain. When he never returned, an extensive search turned up nothing—no gear, no footprints, no clues. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Joseph “Joe” Lee Wood Jr. Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknown Check out our other shows on the Unkno...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 142
April 6th, 2017, a lone cyclist sets out into Washington’s Olympic wilderness, towing a trailer packed with camping gear and determination. Days later, park rangers found the bike and gear abandoned on a remote road, but no sign of the traveler. What follows is a baffling series of search efforts, false leads, and clues scattered across one of the most rugged national parks in the country. With unpredictable weather, dense forests, and towering mountains, this is a landscape that doesn’t give up...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 141
It’s the 6th century, Britain’s a chaotic mess—Roman rule’s gone, Saxons are invading, and a warrior king fights his last battle. Then, poof—he’s gone, whisked away to a mysterious place called Avalon, never to be seen again. Did this King really vanish into the wilderness, or is his whole story just a legend?” Join us this week as we investigate the strange disappearance of King Arthur, Camelot, and the Holy Grail. Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknown Check out...
May 09, 2025•52 min•Ep. 140
Join us this week for a great conversation with Tara and Nancy, retired Yellowstone National Park law enforcement Rangers and hosts of Crime Off the Grid. They share unforgettable experiences from their careers, from intense encounters involving tasers and unexpected rodeo moves to heartfelt moments helping park visitors in distress. We dive into the realities of being law enforcement in America’s wild places, debunk persistent conspiracy theories, and learn what "WWND—What Would Nancy Do?" real...
May 02, 2025•44 min•Ep. 139
On April 23rd, 2025, we hosted a nearly five-hour livestream to celebrate our current studio, which we'll be leaving later this spring due to upcoming building renovations. During the event, we interviewed Danielle and Cassie from National Park After Dark. Our conversation covered their recent adventure in Antarctica, their new show Watch Her Cook, some of their most chilling hiking experiences, and a few memorable, funny moments. We hope you enjoy the interview! Note: The pre and post interview...
Apr 26, 2025•57 min•Ep. 138
In October 2012, an experienced hiker vanished amid an early-season snowstorm near California's remote Taboose Pass. Despite extensive search efforts hindered by brutal terrain, freezing temperatures, and blinding whiteouts, rescuers found no trace. Months later, melting snow exposed startling clues, raising even deeper questions about what truly occurred near the alpine summit. With clear evidence of frantic emergency calls and an abandoned tent, the mystery deepens: Was it hypothermia, altitud...
Apr 19, 2025•53 min•Ep. 137
July 18 2009, a seasoned backpacker set off alone into the rugged wilderness of Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park. Facing scorching heat, limited water, and treacherous terrain, he soon found himself trapped in a remote canyon far from his intended path. As days passed, searchers raced against time and the harsh environment, uncovering clues that painted a chilling picture of how quickly nature can overpower even the most experienced adventurer. Join us this week as we investigate the tragic ...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 136
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park draws millions each year, captivated by its stunning beauty and volcanic wonders. But beneath its dramatic landscapes lie stories of visitors who've gone missing without a trace. This week, we explore cold cases within the park, examining the risks hidden along its rugged trails, active lava flows, and unpredictable coastlines. Join us as we uncover the real dangers of this popular destination—and consider what might have happened to those who ventured out and neve...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 135
On September 25, 1981, a 58-year-old woman mysteriously vanished while hiking a familiar Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. Moments after walking ahead of her friends, she disappeared without a trace. Strange behaviors leading up to that day—including unusual phone calls and missed commitments—only deepened the mystery. Despite exhaustive searches, her fate remains unknown. Was she lost, abducted, or did she deliberately disappear? Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Thelma...
Mar 28, 2025•51 min•Ep. 134
In September 2021, an experienced outdoorsman, vanished mysteriously during a solo hike in Yosemite's rugged Hetch Hetchy wilderness. Last seen above O’Shaughnessy Dam, he intended to fish at remote Lake Eleanor. Despite massive searches, no trace was ever found—not even his bright red kayak. Did he fall victim to hidden waters, dense wilderness, or something else entirely? Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Joel Thomazin. Mark your calendars! We have a special multi hour l...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 133
On September 19, 2008, Ronald Scott Gray, a seasoned 62-year-old retired Marine and Massachusetts State Police captain, vanished during an elk hunt in Idaho’s rugged Selway-Bitterroot wilderness. Despite extensive survival training, he disappeared without a trace. His backpack, found near Highline Lake, provided no definitive clues. Unusual behavior noted by companions hinted at possible disorientation or psychological factors. Harsh weather and challenging terrain complicated the intensive sear...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 132
November 20th, 2010—As darkness fell on Lake Placid New York, a 22-year-old hiker set off into the High Peaks Wilderness after his shift at The Downtown Diner. Several hiking parties spotted him in his green Carhartt jacket before vanishing into the trees two miles in. Days later, that jacket was found. He was not. Join us this week as we unravel the disappearance of Wesley Wamsganz. Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknown Check out our other shows on the Unknown M...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 131
On August 30, 2019, an experienced hiker set out along the steep, treacherous Z Trail on Hawaii's Big Island. When he failed to return, massive search efforts were stymied by thick jungles, towering cliffs, and sudden downpours—and no clues were ever found. Was it a tragic fall, or is something far more unsettling at work? Join us this week as we dive into one of Hawai‘i’s most baffling, unsolved missing-person cases: the disappearance of Kyle Brittain. Learn more about Locations Unknown: https:...
Feb 21, 2025•55 min•Ep. 130
Survivalist and skilled outdoorsman Thomas Seibold left a homestead cabin in October 2012, bound for the vast expanse of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve for what was supposed to be a brief adventure. Instead, he was never seen again. Join us for part three of Gone in Alaska to find out why Seibold’s disappearance remains one of the most enduring mysteries of the Last Frontier. Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknown Check out our other shows on the U...
Feb 15, 2025•33 min•Ep. 129
Hey friends! Since Joe & I are off this week and next week, we thought it would be fun to release our latest members only voicemail episode. If you like this kind of content and want to support the show, you can become a Patreon member for as little as $5 a month and never miss another episode. (Link below) If Patreon isn't your thing, you can become a Spreaker, YouTube, or Apple podcast premium member to enjoy the same content we publish on Patreon. Next week, we'll be releasing a special g...
Feb 07, 2025•32 min•Ep. 128
Deep in the uncharted reaches of the Brazilian rainforest lies one of exploration’s most enduring riddles. In 1925, a daring British explorer ventured there with two companions in search of a lost city that might reshape history. Then, on the threshold of the unknown, all three vanished. Theories swirl: hostile tribes, disease, or even a hidden new life among the forest’s peoples. Join us as this week as we investigate the puzzling disappearance of Percy Fawcett and the Lost City of Z. Learn mor...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 127
A young, adventurous couple embarks on a bold mission in 1928: to conquer the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and claim two record-breaking feats. The newlyweds pilot a handmade wooden scow down the rushing waters, navigating rugged rapids and unpredictable weather. As their journey stretches on, they mysteriously disappear, leaving behind a boat filled with supplies and a puzzle that has haunted explorers, historians, and investigators ever since. Did they succumb to the canyon’s treach...
Jan 25, 2025•56 min•Ep. 126
Join us this week as we explore the chilling legends lurking in America’s wilderness and beyond. We’ll travel to the misty trails of a famed national park where a cunning, stone-skinned predator once terrorized the locals. Then, we head north to the icy Alaskan expanse patrolled by a shadowy hound that paralyzes its victims with a single glance. Finally, we dive into a South American jungle, rumored to harbor a man-eating plant that ensnares unsuspecting explorers. Each tale blends historical ec...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 125
In the early 1990's, a young man's quest for freedom leads him to abandon society, hitchhike across America, and live in the Alaskan wilderness. His journey, inspired by literary ideals, ends tragically in an abandoned bus shrouded in mystery. Join us this week as we explore the incredible life and story of Christopher McCandless, also known as "Alexander Supertramp." Note: At some point in the episode we mentioned (or meant to mention and mispoke) a book titled "Back to the Wild" costing $64 on...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 124
On May 23, 1950, a skilled mountaineer vanished near Ape Canyon in Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest. That morning, he split from his ski party to photograph them from a different vantage point—but never returned. Despite intense searches of the rugged volcanic terrain, neither Carter nor his camera was ever found. Was it a tragic accident, or is there a hidden truth lurking on the slopes? Join us this week as we investigate the mysterious disappearance of Jim Carter. Correction: We m...
Jan 05, 2025•58 min•Ep. 123
On June 20, 2003, a young man abandoned his car on a remote Wisconsin forest road and vanished without a trace. In the days before, he’d quit his job, withdrawn thousands in cash, and displayed strange, erratic behavior. Despite extensive searches in the sprawling Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, he was never found. Was he lost, taken, or running from something? Join us this week as we investigate the strange disappearance of Andrew Bliss. Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.e...
Dec 20, 2024•58 min•Ep. 122
A year has passed since Richard Lyman Griffis stepped off a bus in the Yukon and vanished into the vast wilderness of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. But he wasn’t the only man named Richard to go missing in Alaska’s unforgiving backcountry. Around the same time, Richard Hills and Richard Bennett also disappeared without a trace. In this second episode of Locations Unknown: Special Edition – Gone in Alaska, we examine these unsettling cases and uncover what they reveal about the hidden dangers...
Dec 13, 2024•45 min•Ep. 121
Australia’s high country glows with raw beauty and deep mystery, overshadowed by a long history of unsolved disappearances. Even the most seasoned explorers—hardened hikers and skilled hunters—have vanished here without a trace, leaving behind only faint traces and countless unanswered questions. Rumors persist of a reclusive bushman lurking in remote corners of the wilderness, whose silent watch only deepens the mystery. In these rugged Victorian Alps, stunning vistas give way to haunting puzzl...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 120
In this special episode of Locations Unknown, Maddie from Who Runs This Park interviews us on a wide range of topics. Our conversation covered a behind the scenes look at everything that goes into Locations Unknown, the cases that stay with us the most, and whether the stories we cover have changed how we spend time outdoors. We also shared some of our wildest wilderness tales, including camping overnight with armed park rangers searching for an aggressive grizzly in Glacier National Park. Hope ...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 119
A fitness enthusiast and mother of four, Michelle Vanek, 35, set out to conquer Colorado’s Mount of the Holy Cross in 2005. Straying onto the grueling Halo Ridge Route, Michelle faced fatigue, high-altitude sickness, and frigid temperatures. After splitting from her hiking partner near the peak, she vanished without a trace. Despite an exhaustive search involving hundreds of rescuers, only a boot was found—17 years later. Did Michelle succumb to the mountain’s brutal elements, or does the Holy C...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 118
Enjoy this special release from our members only content. In this episode, we react to all the voicemails we've received since February 2024. This is a sample of the content we provide if you subscribe on Patreon, YouTube, Apple, or Spreaker. This episode was originally released on 9/8/2024. (Warning - there is explicit language in this episode.) Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknown Learn about other shows in the Unknown Media Group network: The Weirdos We Know ...
Nov 08, 2024•41 min•Ep. 117
In 1845, Sir John Franklin led 129 men on HMS Erebus and HMS Terror into the Arctic, vanishing without a trace and sparking one of history’s most haunting mysteries. This Halloween, we explore the eerie legacy of the Franklin Expedition: ghostly sightings around the shipwrecks, chilling whispers near graves on Beechey Island, and cursed artifacts that bring misfortune to those who dare disturb them. Was it lead poisoning, starvation, or something supernatural that doomed the crew? Join us as we ...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 116
Join us this week for the first of a Special Mini Series, 'Gone In Alaska'. June 19, 2014, on a desolate stretch of island beach in Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, a battered red and white kayak, a map, journals, full bags of rice and lentils, and one French passport were found. It told the name of a missing man and about his 3000-mile journey. Join us this week for a Special Edition of Locations Unknown: Gone In Alaska, where we investigate the strange disappearance of François Gue...
Oct 25, 2024•42 min•Ep. 115
