Locations Unknown

With all the buzz surrounding the Gwen Hasselquist case and the upcoming Crime Junkie episode (releasing October 27, 2025), we thought it was the perfect time to re-release our original four-part series on Gwen’s story, first published in 2021. For Gwen’s family, friends, and everyone who cared deeply for her, we’re truly grateful her case is finally receiving the attention it deserves. That said,...

With all the buzz surrounding the Gwen Hasselquist case and the upcoming Crime Junkie episode (releasing October 27, 2025), we thought it was the perfect time to re-release our original four-part series on Gwen’s story, first published in 2021. For Gwen’s family, friends, and everyone who cared deeply for her, we’re truly grateful her case is finally receiving the attention it deserves. That said,...

In January 1982, two women vanished just hours apart while hitchhiking from Breckenridge, Colorado, during one of the worst winter storms the Rockies had seen in decades. As temperatures plunged below –20°F, friends and rescuers scoured the frozen corridors of Pike National Forest, finding only scattered clues and a deepening mystery. Join us this week for Part 1 of Lost in the Shadow of the Rocki...

This week we take flight into the world of raptors, nature’s most skilled aerial predators. From hawks and eagles to owls and falcons, these incredible birds shape ecosystems and inspire conservation efforts across the globe. We explore how education, rehabilitation, and hands-on experience help protect them for future generations, and uncover what it’s really like to work up close with these powe...

In 2019, Locations Unknown covered a young photographer bound for winter shots at Crater Lake National Park. The case spawned wild theories, unsubstantiated lore, and even an episode of The UnXplained with William Shatner. This week, we return with new FBI releases to separate myth from record. We revisit his route near Stump Lake, the Bybee Creek discovery, and the brutal winter terrain that shap...

Nestled just beyond Los Angeles, Angeles National Forest sprawls over 700,000 acres of rugged wilderness, where jagged peaks, deep canyons, and twisting trails beckon hikers, climbers, and adventurers year-round. With stunning vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains and its close proximity to one of America’s largest cities, this forest is as captivating as it is untamed. Yet, while many leave with ch...

We’ve got a special episode for you this week! Joe and I recently joined the podcast Crime Off the Grid to dive into three fascinating cases alongside two former law enforcement park rangers. Since we’re out of the office, we’re excited to share their episode—ad free—right here on our feed in case you missed it. We hope you enjoy! Episode summary from Crime off the Grid: This week, we’re joined by...

Towering at 6,288 feet in the White Mountains, Mount Washington—home to world-record 231 mph winds and brutal weather—draws millions with its historic Auto Road, rare alpine plants, and extreme spring skiing. While most enjoy its trails and epic views, some vanish forever. Join us this week for another installment of “National Forest Cold Cases” as we explore Mount Washington in New Hampshire’s Wh...

September 17th, 2024 a young adventurer embarked on a solo seven-day trek through rugged, isolated terrain fraught with grizzlies, sudden storms, and treacherous cliffs. Amid fog, sleet, and howling winds, he reached the summit of Eagle Peak, leaving a chilling note about his ordeal before vanishing without a trace. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Austin King-Henke in Yell...

We're away this week putting the finishing touches on our new studio, but we'll be back with a brand-new episode on August 8th! Until then, please enjoy a classic from the vault: "Daniel Robinson - Sonoran Desert - Arizona." We've remastered the audio, so it sounds better than ever. (Originally aired: January 13, 2023) On June 23rd, 2021, a geologist working on a remote job site in the Sonoran Des...

We're out of the office this week putting the finishing touches on the new studio! We'll be back with all-new shows the first week of August. Until then, enjoy a classic from the vault: "Grand Canyon Cold Cases." It's the episode that kicked off our Cold Cases series, and we've cleaned up the audio so it sounds better than ever. (Original air date: 2/17/23) With over 52 million acres, the US Natio...

While we're away getting our new studio up and running, please enjoy one of our favorite episodes on Glacier National Park Cold Cases, complete with newly edited audio to make your listening experience even better.  Side note, this was the last episode before we moved into our old studio!  (Originally aired 3/23/2023) With over 52 million acres, the US National Park system is home to some of the m...

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 discove...

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...

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 mor...

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 un...

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...

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...

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, a...

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 eviden...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 disorient...