National Park After Dark

A chilling pattern of hiker disappearances across southeastern public lands tied to a man who blended into trail culture. Investigators follow witness sightings, van and dumpster clues, and forensic evidence that connect multiple killings. Legal battles over crime scene photos spur a new privacy law. Reflections on how resistance, evidence, and preparedness played roles in catching a predator.

Chilling travel tales and near-miss adventures from Arctic tour scares to a flight emergency that left a passenger queasy and worried. Altitude sickness and a stranded hiker in Peru collide with a ski-lodge misjudgment. Missing time in the Smokies prompts alien and drug theories. A New Year’s cemetery find turns into an unexpected police response.

They walk through five years of memorable production mishaps and format changes. They revisit wild trail tales, cringe-worthy early moments, and the origins of catchphrases and merch. Skincare rituals, alternate career daydreams, and the hardest research projects get airtime. Live show antics, group trip highlights, and listener stories round out the celebration.

Ever since September of 1992, when Chris McCandless was found deceased inside a bus in remote Alaska, the story of why he chose to walk into wilderness has captivated the world. Chris has been idolized, questioned, criticized and immortalized by strangers for decades. Books have been written and movies have been made to share his fascinating story, but were incomplete in their tellings. In 2014, Carine, Chris’s sister published her own version of the story we have come to know as Into the Wild. In her heartbreaking memoir, the world gets a view into their world, and a chance to understand Chris in a brand new way, through the eyes of the person who knew and loved him the most.Banff film festival tickets For a full list of our sources, visit http://npadpodcast.com/episodesFor the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at:Instagram: @‌nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @‌nationalparkafterdarkSupport the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page!Thank you to the week’s partners!IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping.BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off.Blueland: Use our link to get 15% off your first order.Butcher Box: Head to ButcherBox.com/NPAD to sign up. New listeners get their choice between filet mignon, ny strip, or chicken breast in every box for a year, free shipping, PLUS $20 off your first box.

Mike Bauer, a retired captain from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, shares his deep frustration over the mysterious disappearance of Deputy Jon Aujay in 1998. He recounts the alarming day Aujay went missing during a run in the Devil's Punchbowl, detailing the extensive search efforts that found no trace of him. Bauer raises concerns about the department's handling of the case, hinting at potential corruption. With a focus on Aujay's background and personal effects, the discussion reveals lingering doubts about the official narrative and invites listeners to dig deeper.

Today’s stories include prank fails, questionable evidence, bear saviors, damned girls trips, and mountain flavored Disneyworlds. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers!For a full list of our sources, visit http://npadpodcast.com/episodesFor the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at:Instagram: @‌nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @‌nationalparkafterdarkSupport the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page!Thank you to the week’s partners!Ollie: Cozy up with your pup this season! Go to ollie.com/npad and use code npad to get 60% off your first box!Coyuchi: Get 15% off your first order when you visit Coyuchi.com/npad.Soul:  For 30% off your order, head to GetSoul.com and use code NPAD.Fora Travel: Become a Fora Advisor today at foratravel.com/NPAD

In a gripping tale of survival, Joe fights to escape a crevasse with a shattered leg while Simon grapples with an agonizing decision made high on Siula Grande. As night falls, the stakes soar with Joe’s struggle for water and warmth, leading him to a breakthrough that could mean life or death. Forgiveness unfolds between the two climbers, even amidst the chaos of recovery. From the horrors of isolation to the camaraderie of friendship, this harrowing journey portrays resilience against nature's brutal challenges.

High in the Cordillera Huayhuash Reserve of the Peruvian Andes, two British climbers attempt the first ascent of the West Face of Siula Grande. The mountain is remote, unforgiving, and lethal to mistakes. After reaching the summit, a catastrophic accident during the descent forces a decision that places survival and death on opposite ends of a single rope.For a full list of our sources, visit http://npadpodcast.com/episodesFor the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at:Instagram: @‌nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @‌nationalparkafterdarkSupport the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page!Thank you to the week’s partners!Quince: Use our link to get free shipping and 365-day returns.IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping.Smalls: Smalls New Year’s Special - get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/NPAD.BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off.

Today’s stories include pizza in Zion, getting stalked, mule saviors, mysterious trapezoids, and pooping lake water. Outsiders Only bonus stories available for Patreon and Apple Subscribers!For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at:Instagram: @‌nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @‌nationalparkafterdarkSupport the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page!Thank you to the week’s partners!

Not many of us would accept a job that risked life and limb, but for a brief moment in time, young men did just that - just to carry the mail. It may have only been in operation for 18 months, but the legacy of the Pony Express has lasted generations. A 2,000 mile horseback ride from Missouri to California posed risks of all kinds, but with no telegraph wires or trains connecting the coasts, brave men and their trusty steeds stepped up and battled the elements, warring nations and each other to keep the nation connected.Banff Film Festival Tickets The Pony Express Re-Ride / Letters!For a full list of our sources, visit http://npadpodcast.com/episodesFor the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at:Instagram: @‌nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @‌nationalparkafterdarkSupport the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page!Thank you to the week’s partners!Ka'Chava: Go to https://kachava.com and use code NPAD. New customers get twenty dollars off an order of two bags or more, January 1st through 31st!