Locations Unknown

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...

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 ab...

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...

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...

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 p...

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...

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...

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, rumor...