Locations Unknown
Welcome to Locations Unknown, a podcast that dives into the mysteries of America's wilderness. Join hosts Mike & Joe as they explore the stories of those who have vanished without a trace in some of the country's most remote and treacherous landscapes. In each episode, we uncover the details of these disappearances, examine the investigations that followed, and discuss theories about what might have happened. From national parks to remote deserts, our journey takes you to the heart of the unknown, shedding light on the eerie and unexplainable. Tune in and discover that, sometimes, the wilderness holds more than just beauty—it...
Valley of the Headless Men: The McLeod Brothers
In 1905, two brothers vanished while hunting for gold in Canada’s remote Nahanni wilderness. Three years later, a search party led by their own brother braved towering canyons and treacherous rivers, only to find their remains at a riverside camp, both missing their skulls. While police blamed starvation, their family suspected a brutal murder for gold. Their grim fate birthed the legend of Headless Valley. Join us this Halloween as we investigate the mystery of Frank and Willie McLeod.
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Yellowstone National Park Cold Cases
July 1966 to September 2010: an eight-year-old boy vanishes while searching for his sister, an outdoorsman and his dog disappear on an antler collecting trip, and two visitors leave behind abandoned vehicles. Across Yellowstone National Park, four families are left without answers. What do these cases reveal about risk, isolation, and the challenges of searching this vast wilderness? Join us this week as we investigate four Yellowstone National Park cold cases. Cases covered: Dennis Eugene Johnson, Daniel Campbell, Bruce Parker Pike, & Stuart Isaac.
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Aron Ralston - Bluejohn Canyon - Utah
April 26th 2003, an experienced Colorado outdoorsman sets out alone on a day trip through Utah’s remote Bluejohn Canyon. He leaves no detailed itinerary. Deep inside a narrow passage, a boulder shifts, pinning his right arm against the canyon wall. For five nights, he battles thirst, cold, and exhaustion. Meanwhile, his family and friends scramble to piece together where he went. With his water gone and no sign of help, he faces an unimaginable decision. Join us this week as we explore Aron Ralston’s harrowing fight to survive.Â
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Mark Stice - San Isabel National Forest - Colorado
September 17th, 2013: an experienced Colorado hiker sets out alone on a five-day backpacking trip into the wilderness of the San Isabel National Forest. He planned to climb some of the rugged fourteeners of the Crestone Group. He leaves no detailed itinerary, carries no cell phone or emergency beacon, and never returns home. Searchers find his vehicle at the trailhead and later locate his camp. After a grueling eight-days through snow, ice, and dangerous alpine terrain, they suspended the search. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Mark Stice.
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Nathan Issiac Campbell - Denali National Park - Alaska
May 27th, 2020, a hiker is flown into the remote Carey Lake region of Denali National Park for a months-long solo expedition. He stays in contact with his wife through a Garmin inReach until mid-June, then suddenly goes silent. When he misses his September pickup, searchers find his supplies near the lake and a collapsed camp several miles away. Inside are his satellite communicator and a damaged diary whose final readable entry says he left to get water. No body, clothing, or clear trail is found. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Nathan Issiac Campbell.
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Eric Robinson - High Uintas Wilderness - Utah (Spotify Rerelease)
July 28th, 2011, experienced Australian hiker Eric Robinson begins a ten-day solo trek across Utah’s remote Uinta Highline Trail. Along the way, he encounters dangerous snowfields, leaves the established route more than once, and is last seen by a Boy Scout group deep in the backcountry. Days later, he fails to appear at the western trailhead. Search teams on foot, horseback, and by helicopter scour vast stretches of rugged alpine terrain, but find no clear trace of where he went. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Eric Robinson.
(Note - We had a co...
Eric Robinson - High Uintas Wilderness - Utah
July 28th, 2011, experienced Australian hiker Eric Robinson begins a ten-day solo trek across Utah’s remote Uinta Highline Trail. Along the way, he encounters dangerous snowfields, leaves the established route more than once, and is last seen by a Boy Scout group deep in the backcountry. Days later, he fails to appear at the western trailhead. Search teams on foot, horseback, and by helicopter scour vast stretches of rugged alpine terrain, but find no clear trace of where he went. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Eric Robinson.
Link to the photo reconstruction th...
Andrew Porter & Ian Stasko - South San Juan Wilderness - Colorado
In September 2025, two experienced elk hunters traveled into the rugged backcountry of southern Colorado for what was supposed to be an eight-day trip in the remote South San Juan Wilderness. Both men were seasoned outdoorsmen, familiar with the demands of traveling deep into the wilderness and equipped with modern navigation and communication devices.
But when their scheduled check-ins suddenly stopped, family members knew something was wrong. Within days, a massive search effort was underway, bringing in helicopters, search dogs, drones, horseback teams, and hundreds of volunteers to comb through miles of steep mountains, dense timber, and storm-battered terrain.<...
Celine Cremer UPDATE - Tasmania - Australia
In August 2023, we covered the disappearance of a 31-year-old Belgian traveler, who vanished after setting out on a short walk to Philosopher Falls in the dense rainforests of north-west Tasmania. What appeared to be a brief tourist hike quickly became a mystery shaped by harsh winter weather, difficult terrain, and weeks of intense search efforts.
Now, nearly three years later, new developments have brought investigators and her family closer to understanding what may have happened. In this update episode, we revisit the case, walk through the latest search efforts, examine newly discovered evidence, and look at how phone...
Derek Joseph Lueking - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
March 17th, 2012: a 24-year-old leaves a hotel in Cherokee, North Carolina, before dawn and drives into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hours later, his Ford Escape is found with his wallet, keys, cash, and survival gear still inside. A short note says, “Don’t follow me.” Search teams, helicopters, K-9 units, and volunteers scour the Appalachian Trail corridor, steep drainages, and dense off-trail terrain, but find nothing. No clothing, no gear, no trace. Join us this week as we investigate the baffling disappearance of Derek Joseph Lueking.
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Alvie Webb - San Juan National Forest - Colorado
October 19th, 2019: an elderly lifelong hunter is dropped off along Divide Road in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest for a short morning elk hunt. He’s told to follow a familiar trail down to a pickup point by 10 a.m. Around 9:00, a single gunshot echoes through the timber. By 10:00, he’s gone. Search teams, helicopters, K-9 units, and grid crews comb the aspen meadows and dense drainages but find nothing. No tracks, no gear, no trace. Join us this week as we begin our miniseries, The lost hunters of Colorado, with the baffling disappearance of Alvie Webb.
Lear...
Ryan Shtuka - Sun Peaks - B.C. Canada
February 17th, 2018: after a night out at Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, a 20-year-old leaves a house party for the short walk back to staff housing and is never seen again. A winter storm batters the mountain village with plunging temperatures, gusting winds, and fresh snow. Search dogs, helicopters, drones, and hundreds of volunteers scour the resort and surrounding terrain, but find nothing. No body, no clothing, no phone, no trace. Join us this week as we investigate the haunting disappearance of Ryan Shtuka.
Episode note: We apologize for the weird background hum. We've been dealing w...
Special Release: Fan Voicemail reactions - Part 11
Hey friends! We’re taking this week off while we make a few upgrades to the studio. In the meantime, enjoy our latest subscriber only episode, where we listen to and react to the newest voicemails we’ve received. We also tease some exciting updates coming to the show later this spring. If you enjoy this kind of content and want to support the show, you can join us on Patreon for as little as $5 a month and never miss another episode. Link below!
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Melvin Nadel - Santa Fe National Forest - New Mexico
September 6th, 2009: a 61-year-old fitness instructor, black belt, and seasoned bow hunter leaves his campsite near Elk Mountain in New Mexico's Santa Fe National Forest. He tells his two companions he won't go far and will return by nightfall. When he doesn't return the search begins. Helicopters, volunteers, and K-9 units scour the rugged terrain and find nothing. No body, no gear, no trace. Join us this week as we investigate the strange disappearance of Melvin Nadel
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Ron Dailey - Sierra National Forest - California
October 13th, 2025: a 65-year-old seasoned hunter leaves his Selma, California home for a routine day of deer hunting in the Sierra National Forest, a wilderness he's navigated for over fifty years. When he doesn't return that evening, his family sounds the alarm. A massive multi-county search unfolds across hundreds of square miles of rugged, snow-covered terrain, complicated by an early-season winter storm, freezing temperatures, and zero cell service. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Ron Dailey.
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Johnny Waterman - Denali National Park & Preserve - Alaska
April 1st, 1981: a 28-year-old elite solo climber leaves a remote shelter deep in Alaska’s Ruth Glacier, pulling a sled and heading alone toward Denali’s imposing east side. Experienced, deliberate, and traveling light, he moved into heavily crevassed ice beneath one of the most unforgiving mountains on Earth. When his expected return window passes, concern begins to grow, and search efforts expand across glaciers, avalanche paths, and possible exit routes. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Johnny Waterman in Denali National Park and Preserve.
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Death Valley National Park Cold Cases
May 2019 to May 2022: three men travel alone into the vast desert backcountry of Death Valley National Park; one to cache water in a remote canyon, another to check on a vehicle at an isolated hot spring, and a third who never returns from a campground on the park’s edge. Each disappearance triggers a search. None of them are found. What do these cases reveal about risk, scale, and survival in one of the most unforgiving landscapes in North America? Join us this week as we investigate three Death Valley National Park Cold Cases. Cases covered: Rolin Bruno, Robert Alan "Bo...
Paul Victor Tomasso - Tonto National Forest - Arizona
February 13th, 2014: a 56-year-old experienced outdoorsman drives deep into Arizona’s Tonto National Forest for a planned multi-day solo hike. After parking along a quiet highway near the community of Young, he leaves behind a note describing his route and steps into some of the most rugged backcountry in the state. Days later, concern begins to grow, triggering a large-scale search across remote canyons and forested ridgelines. What happened in that vast wilderness? Join us this week as we investigate the mysterious disappearance of Paul Victor Tomasso.
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Life Beyond the Map: Interview w/ Modern Explorer, Tay Wanders
Today we’re sitting down with Tay, a Southern girl turned road-warrior and modern explorer who approaches adventure with confidence, intention, and a grounded perspective.
A single mom and storyteller at heart, Tay creates outdoor and travel narratives designed to help women step into big, wild places feeling prepared and empowered. Through thoughtful destination inspiration, practical safety insight, and carefully built itineraries, she works to make adventure feel accessible rather than intimidating.
What began as traveling out of her truck during COVID quietly evolved into a full-scale business. By working remotely, Tay has built a life th...
Laura Macke - Olympic National Park - Washington
October 30th, 2022: a 35-year-old counselor sets out alone into the storm-soaked rainforests of Olympic National Park. As an experienced hiker with survival training, she planned a multi-day trek into the remote backcountry. But as a powerful Pacific storm hammered the valley with freezing rain and rising rivers, she never returned. Despite an intensive multi-agency search, no trace of her has ever been found. Join us this week as we investigate the mysterious disappearance of Laura Macke.
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Bryan Skilinski - Great Sand Dunes National Park - Colorado
February 11th, 2017, a 40-year-old man from New York, deep in a mid-life crisis, vanishes into a brutal winter storm at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Miraculously he is rescued after five freezing nights, calling it his “mission to the stars.” Just three months later, he returns alone to the same vast Colorado wilderness—and disappears a second time with no trace. What drove him back to the dunes that nearly killed him the first time? Join us this week as we investigate the strange repeat vanishing of Bryan Skilinski.
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Robert Fitzgerald - George Washington National Forest - Virginia
November 12th, 2012, a seasoned hiker and devoted runner fails to show up for work after a solo trip to Virginia’s Confederate Breastworks Trail. His car is discovered days later, packed with food and supplies, but no sign of him. Despite a massive five-day search across rugged, fog-shrouded ridges and icy hollows, not a single trace is found. What happened on that cold, windswept mountain? Join us this week as we investigate the mysterious disappearance of Robert “Bobby” Fitzgerald in George Washington National Forest.
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Ch...
Lost in the Shadow of the Rockies – The 40-Year Mystery - Part 2
Last week, we introduced you to Bobbie Jo Oberholtzer and Annette Schnee, two women who vanished the same night while hitchhiking from Breckenridge, Colorado. As a brutal winter storm swept across the Rockies, searchers braved sub-zero temperatures through Hoosier Pass and the surrounding wilderness. What they found were only scattered belongings, and haunting clues buried in the snow. Tonight, we return to that frozen mountainside, where the truth behind their disappearance is finally beginning to surface.
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From the Vault - Gwen Hasselquist - INTV w/ Gwen's stepsister, Dora - Part 4
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, we need to get something off our chests.
We first discovered Gwen’s case in September 2021, when one of our co-hosts happened to meet a lawyer in Chicago who was quietly investig...
From the Vault - Gwen Hasselquist - INTV w/ Dawn, Her Friend of 30 Years - Part 3
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, we need to get something off our chests.
We first discovered Gwen’s case in September 2021, when one of our co-hosts happened to meet a lawyer in Chicago who was quietly investig...
From the Vault - Gwen Hasselquist - The Police Report - Part 2
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, we need to get something off our chests.
We first discovered Gwen’s case in September 2021, when one of our co-hosts happened to meet a lawyer in Chicago who was quietly investig...
From the Vault - Gwen Hasselquist - The Original Investigation - Part 1
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, we need to get something off our chests.
We first discovered Gwen’s case in September 2021, when one of our co-hosts happened to meet a lawyer in Chicago who was quietly investig...
Lost in the Shadow of the Rockies – The 40-Year Mystery - Part 1
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 Rockies: The Disappearances of Bobbie Jo Oberholtzer and Annette Schnee.
Part 2 will be released on Halloween (10/31/25)Â Sign up for our Patreon channel to listen to Part 2 early.
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Flight, Fury, and Feathers: Talking Raptors with Jenna Kopp
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 powerful creatures. Whether you’re a wildlife lover or simply curious about the world above, join us this week as we speak to Jenna Kopp, the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Raptor Center.
Visit the Gr...
Charles McCullar - A Case Re-examined — Myths vs. Facts
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 shaped his fate. Join us this week as we reinvestigate the case of Charles McCullar with fresh evidence and new theories.
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Angeles National Forest Cold Cases
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 cherished memories and photos, some vanish without a trace. Join us this week for another installment of “National Forest Cold Cases” as we explore the mysteries hidden within Angeles National Forest. Cases covered: Michael Patrick Flynn, Gary Robert Nuetzel, & Monica...
Crime Off the Grid Meets Locations Unknown
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 the hosts of the Locations Unknown Podcast, Joe and Mike, as our special guests on Crime Off the Grid. Tog...
Mount Washington Cold Cases
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 White Mountains National Forest. Cases covered in this episode: John M Keenan, Kevin Scott Race, & Porith Stephon Sou.
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Austin King - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming
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 Yellowstone National Park.
Learn more about Locations Unknown:Â https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknown
Helicopter Support for Austin King Search - Go Fund Me
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From the Vault - Daniel Robinson - Sonoran Desert - Arizona
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 Desert, west of Phoenix Arizona, started behaving strangely shortly after arriving for the day. His coworker noticed him looking off into the desert with a blank stare before getting into his car and...
From the Vault - Grand Canyon Cold Cases
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 National Park system is home to some of the most breathtaking natural features on the planet. Tens of millions enjoy the parks every year. While most visits end with a...
From the Vault - Glacier National Park Cold Cases
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 most breathtaking natural features on the planet. Tens of millions enjoy these parks every year. Join us this week for an installment of, “National Park Cold Cases” as we explore Glacier National Park. ...
Robert Schock - North Cascades National Park - Washington
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 incredible survival story of Robert Schock.
SHOW NOTE -Â We're off for the next month as we move into our new...
Aubrey Sacco - Langtang National Park - Nepal
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 investigate the case of Aubrey Sacco.
(00:00) Introduction
(03:07) Episode Summary
(04:04) Location Profile
(12:59) Magic...
Joseph Wood Jr - Mount Rainier National Park - Washington
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.
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Crime Off The Grid
Off The Tra...
