
Johnny Waterman - Denali National Park & Preserve - Alaska
From Locations Unknown by Locations Unknown
February 8, 2026 · 56 min · Episode 166
About this episode
This episode investigates the disappearance of elite solo climber Johnny Waterman in Denali National Park and Preserve.
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. Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknown Check out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network: Crime Off The Grid Off The Trails Hike N' Seek Who Runs This Park Relish New Patreon Shoutouts: Justin Wear, Alexx Sisson, & Elizabeth Persons Get 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache , the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon! Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag…
People in this episode
Host: Locations Unknown
Guest: Johnny Waterman
Topics covered
- disappearance
- climbing
- true crime
- Alaska
- Denali
- search efforts
Keywords
- Johnny Waterman
- Denali
- disappearance
- climbing
- Alaska
- Ruth Glacier
- search efforts
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska, Ruth Glacier, East side
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