Christopher McCandless, known as "Alexander Supertramp," embarked on a cross-country journey from 1990 to 1992, culminating in the Alaskan wilderness. Driven by a desire to escape materialism and embrace self-reliance, he sought a deeper connection with nature. His story, documented in Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild and adapted into the 2007 film, has sparked discussions on adventure, survival, and the risks of unprepared exploration.
Early Life and Departure (1968–1990)
Born on February 12, 1968, in El Segundo, California, McCandless was raised in Annandale, Virginia. A bright student and avid reader, he was heavily influenced by the works of Henry David Thoreau, Jack London, and Leo Tolstoy. After graduating from Emory University in May 1990 with a degree in history and anthropology, he donated nearly $24,000 of his savings to charity, abandoned most of his possessions, and left without informing his family. Adopting the name "Alexander Supertramp," he set off on a cross-country odyssey in search of ultimate freedom.
Early Travels Through the American West (1990)
Throughout the summer of 1990, McCandless explored the western United States, traveling alone and embracing a minimalist lifestyle.
- Lake Mead, Nevada – A flash flood stranded his Datsun B210. Choosing to abandon it rather than retrieve it, he continued on foot, burning his remaining cash as a symbolic rejection of society.
- Western United States – Hitchhiked through California, Oregon, and Washington, taking odd jobs and meeting fellow travelers.
- Carthage, South Dakota – Worked for Wayne Westerberg on a grain elevator, forming one of his most meaningful relationships. Westerberg later described him as hardworking but secretive about his past.
River Journey into Mexico (1990–1991)
McCandless sought new challenges by navigating the Colorado River into Mexico, bypassing legal entry points.
- Lee’s Ferry, Arizona – Purchased a second-hand kayak and began paddling down the Colorado River, navigating through remote canyons.
- Morelos Dam, U.S.-Mexico Border – Illegally crossed into Mexico through irrigation canals, continuing his journey south.
- El Golfo de Santa Clara – Reached the Gulf of California but struggled with strong currents and became disoriented in the vast delta.
- Immigration Detainment – After abandoning his kayak and traveling inland on foot, he was detained by Mexican authorities while attempting to return to the U.S. and later deported.
Nomadic Life Across the United States (1991–1992)
After returning to the U.S., McCandless resumed his wandering, taking temporary jobs and fully embracing a transient existence.
- Bullhead City, Arizona – Spent several months working at McDonald's while living in an abandoned trailer.
- Slab City, California – Stayed in the off-grid desert community, forming friendships with fellow drifters.
- Salvation Mountain – Encountered Leonard Knight, the creator of a religious monument promoting love and simplicity.
- Anza-Borrego Desert – Lived alone in the wilderness, preparing for his journey to Alaska.
The Alaskan Wilderness (April–August 1992)
Believing Alaska to be the ultimate test of self-sufficiency, McCandless set out in the spring of 1992 to live off the land.
- Fairbanks, Alaska – Arrived in April and gathered minimal supplies.
- Stampede Trail, near Healy – Hiked into the wilderness, carrying only a rifle, a field guide on edible plants, and a limited amount of food.
- Bus 142 (Magic Bus) – Discovered an abandoned Fairbanks city bus, which he used as shelter. It became his home for the duration of his time in the wild.
- Survival Efforts – Hunted small game, gathered edible plants, and documented his experiences in a journal, detailing both triumphs and struggles.
- Teklanika River Crossing – Attempted to return to civilization in July but found the river impassable due to snowmelt, forcing him to stay in the wilderness.
- Final Weeks – Weakened by malnutrition and possibly poisoned by wild seeds, his health declined rapidly.
- Death – Estimated to have died around August 18, 1992. His body was discovered on September 6, 1992, by moose hunters.
Filming Locations for Into the Wild (2007)
The 2007 film adaptation sought to accurately portray McCandless' journey, filming on location across the United States and Mexico.
- Reed College, Portland, Oregon – Stood in for Emory University during the graduation scenes.
- Lake Mead, Nevada – Used to depict where McCandless abandoned his car.
- Lee’s Ferry, Arizona – Filmed on location to portray the kayaking expedition.
- Morelos Dam, Mexico – Recreated his illegal border crossing into Mexico.
- Carthage, South Dakota – Scenes were filmed in the real town where McCandless worked for Wayne Westerberg.
- Slab City and Salvation Mountain, California – Depicted his interactions with the nomadic community.
- Cantwell, Alaska – A replica of Bus 142 was built for safety and accessibility, as the real location was too remote for filming.
Legacy and Impact
McCandless' journey has sparked ongoing discussions about the allure of solitude, the dangers of unprepared exploration, and the pursuit of freedom. His story resonates with those drawn to nature, adventure, and the rejection of societal expectations. While some view him as a symbol of ultimate independence, others consider his actions reckless and ill-prepared. Regardless of interpretation, his journey remains one of the most compelling real-life odysseys, immortalized through literature and film.