This video is great, it gives you an idea of how rough and beautifull the country there is. I might never be able to get there, but at least I got an impression, where Chris past his last time, trying to catch his dreams, thanks for posting, dude, good job!

I think it is more of an honour and accomplishment to hike all the way out to the bus to fully appreciate the story and life of Chris.

I enjoyed the book by Krakauer. I admire Chris McCandless for living HIS life and seeing that life's beauty cannot be bought . I could say I'm disappointed of his lack of preparedness on his final trip BUT...I can relate. When I was 24, I left Ohio and explored the West and did some crazy, unsafe trips. Now I'm 40 and glad I did what I did.

It's not about him dying or running away. It's about his search for himself and living as himself - being authentic - that captures people's hearts.

No, the one next to the bus is the Sushana river; the one that trapped Chris was the Teklinika, which is about 6 or 8 miles back toward the main highway. The Sushana is the 3rd of the three "waterways" that interact with the Stampede road and trail between the main highway and the bus, the other one is the Savage, which while it doesn't really live up to it's name, did almost kill me back in 2005.....that's a whole other story.

You are right, at least in part. Couple of corrections: -Technically it is a tourist attraction. People from all over the world come to try to visit it after hearing about the bus from the book/movie -I live up here, so I use my ATV to explore all kinds of places in AK, home isn't as far away as for most. -I've got quite a bit more film of the area, and the bus than 5 seconds, even on KZfaq. There's a whole selection of my films from all seasons.

I've been a big fan of Alex "Supertramp" since I first read the book in 1996. I've read it 4 times now and always get a fresh perspective on life from it. It's not about whether he's a a nut-case or a hero. That's simply a matter of opinion. Period. I say, to each his own. And I can't help admiring a guy who lived "outside the box". Yes, there was some hubris involved in what he did, but he lived his life on his own terms, something few of us do. Long Live the spirit of SUPERTRAMP!! -ST2

Just watched the film absolutely brilliant so captivating and intriguing yet so damn sad you can't feel bad for the guy though by the looks of the film he lived more in those 3 years then most of us live in our entire lives

I find it very interesting on how the comments are very similar to what Chris was "against". If anyone read the book, studied up on his bio they would understand Chris was not a person seeking fame, fortune or popularity. Yet the comments pushing for respect of just that. If Chris were alive he most likely would have walked away from those "praising and looking for respect". Which is why he ended up in the wild. Thank you for the video.

The plant Chris ate that killed him, was a wild sweet pea, it makes you unable to hold or digest food. AKA you die of starvation. He didn't kill himself despite the pain he went through, he was strong and courageous. I read this book and saw "Into the Wild" It changed my thoughts on a lot of things. I want to visit this bus someday. A strong, in my eyes, heroic man died in it. Rest in Peace.

indeed. perhaps it is good to consider this. not so much immortalizing his human frailty as in perhaps using his example as a catalyst to examine our own. the beauty of his journey lies in his open eyed honesty and unvarnished willingness to grow. it is this that is inspiring.

Chris was a legend. Everywhere he went people loved him and he left a mark when following his dream. For example when he left his beloved car in the desert, the rangers who picked it up used it for drug stings! the guys the man. RIP

Chris, the book and then the movie made that bus such an interesting place. It's people's lives that count, and the ideas which drive them through life that make such things interesting.

This is so chilling, I wonder how Emile felt about acting inside the actual bus that Christopher died in.

One of my favorite stories and film...Truly an inspiration

Isabelle Marks You are welcome. Not quite sure that Chris would particularly care about how one gets out there, several years ago Sean Penn and his crew came in with a couple helicopters to make the movie that probably made you aware of Alex in the first place. I have paid the price on walking back out however.

so in fact, mission accomplished Quentin! (: did he not, in fact, prove the reality of our interconnection with each other and the world around us? what molded his impulsiveness was the shattering blow that all he thought was real was not. he learned the hardest lesson and we are benefiting from his example. (: You are most correct that there are rules to the game. all of us need to fly free, but it must be with in the bounds of reality. why there is a need for guidance in all matters.

You get the impression in his last writings that his abandonment of civilized society was not intended to last much longer. The Alaskan adventure was his "final" (as he termed it) youthful adventure. He was purposely trying to change himself and his perception of the world through his risk taking, so he was not giving up everything for nothing. It was not a material thing as much as a forced mental and spiritual journey. He pushed himself impressively, but pushed his luck tragically.

God what a great experience for you. I would give anything to stand where Chris did. Great story, great movie.

It was put there in 1961. During that time, they were trying to build a roadway for the coalmine there and it was never completed. There were 3 buses put on the Stampede trail for the workers building the road to sleep in. 2 of the buses were hauled out, but this one was kept there.

Every human being on this planet is born naturally and freely into the natural and free world.. free to roam wherever they please. Into the wild is gonna be a bomb flick.

Thank you for posting this. Can't wait to get back up to AK to make my own visit.

People need to stop criticising him. He was within his rights to do what he liked and he went and pursued a dream. Admirable.

I'm a 16 year old high school student who was forced to read this book for American literature, this is probally the only book I have honestly liked in my life. I can't believe I just saw the actual place McCandless died... Wow

"Made it. Don't know what's gonna happen now..." You're just livin' man!

thank you my friend for bringing this more to home within my spirit in remembering "Supertramp" He is hiking through the heavens now...

Some people don't want a "normal" life. He had the intelligence to see the faults of our society and the courage to reject it. I don't worship the man, I admire his intelligence and his strength of will. Yes, he went in unprepared but that's the way he wanted to do it. He was looking for meaning, something that those of us with inquisitive minds struggle with everyday. Also, before you attack the man, keep in mind he didn't ask for any of this attention.

Thanks for posting the video MT, I can't explain the feeling I got watching it-motor noise withstanding, this is quite surreal indeed.

the main thing I got from the movie is how important family is, and how selfish we can be sometimes.

wow it's chilling watching this. everything in the bus looks the same as it was depicted in the movie and book.

Chris was not sick in the head at all. If you ever bothered to read "Into the Wild", you'd know that. He spent many days reading about everything in the wilderness, safe roots and berries to eat, he had plenty of experience. One should also note his journal entries near the end of July in 1992 through August. He wanted to go back, even raise a family, but a shallow stream had turned into a brutal raging river over the summer, preventing him from going back, it was not his choice.

I said the same thing. He hardly planned at all. But my dad schooled me after we watched the film together. This guy wanted to be on his own. TRUELY on his own. He grew up with parents that argued, sometimes physically, & he wanted to escape. Some drink, some do drugs, some marry & beat their wives, just like their dads. But dude just wanted to escape. He found it so beautiful & easy traveling around mainland usa, he thought alaska would be the same. Unfortunatly, the harsh environment did him..

What a great spot. Very nice. Thanks for posting.

Wow this is definitely a life time destination for me.

Good video, thank you for the little journey into a story.

I think surviving as long as he did was pretty amazing. Just from reading the book, I think he ran in to bad luck, and didn't complain about it, he accepted his fate without fear. Sometimes in the wild, you get lucky and sometimes you don't.

In 1961 a company called Yutan Construction put three buses out there to house workers who were meant to be turning the Stampede Trail into a road. The project was pulled after two years though, and while two of the buses were taken back from the trail, according to Krakauer "the third bus was left about halfway out the trail to serve as backcountry shelter for hunters and trappers". Check out the book, it's a good read.

No critization, just commenting on how he missed some of my favorite parts of the journey and area. Saved some intrigue for those who come to visit, I suppose.

Did anyone else see that the dog went into the bus right away and looked on top of the mattress where Chris passed? Kinda creepy...A lot of people who went to the bus mentioned that they felt some kind of presence. Maybe the dog did too...

I think he would have been hoored to have you place ur mark my friend. His whole outlook on life was that. It wasnt HIS bus, he never saw it that way I dnt think. Ur just as special as he was. It could never be disrespectful, That bus is for EVERYONE Much Love

Chris had the guts to be different. Not many of us do. And if he made mistakes, he certainly paid for them in full. Rudyard Kipling advised us to "fill the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds worth of distance run". And Kipling said, You will be a man, my son. To those of us, who think about doing the extraordinary, or merely dreaming of doing it, Chris has become our inspiration. He owes no explanations, nor does he owe anyone an apology. All I know is that the world is worse place without him.

I do not think he is a hero either but I do think he is idolized for his adventuring spirit. I feel we all admire him for his ability to give up all things material. I as a Native American do understand and worship at alter of mother Earth. So with that said I would have to say he lived a happy life. How many of us will be allowed to live such a happy life before we die? How many of us will die old rich and bitter?

More people need "an overproportioned Jack London-dream"!! As opposed to an underproportioned, sedentary lifestyle void of adventure. LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT OF SUPERTRAMP!!!

what is sad about his story is not only the fact that he died but what he went through all the people, thats what makes you cry in the end :(

Yeah I am kind of doing the same thing. I am starting from Ontario, Canada and making my way up to the bus. But with two friends and going very prepared.

I just saw the movie. I've never felt so sad, I wish he made it. I feel worse for his sister, they loved each other so dearly. Aww... I just hope he went in peace.

I agree!! He was an amazing man!! I wish I could of met him!

Just the fact that you are driving to the site speaks volumes in itself...

Thank you very much for the information!!!

its called The Magic Bus. its very magical to be out there on its own to be a home for any passing survivor.

i hiked out to the bus from denali a couple months ago. we woke up on the second day, made breakfast, hiked out and were back in our beds in anchorage that night. if chris had had a map he could've easily done the same.

if i had a wish before i die , that would be dying near The Bus. Christopher McCandless is my hero. He did something which i cant explain ....

Best I can tell, it was skidded out there with a cat. Probably in the winter as overland travel is much easer then. The trail is actually in decent shape, except for a few spots. There used to be another bus twice as far back as well, but that one got yanked.

@casadejoey I think the book said it used to belong to a logging company. The company brought 2 out of the three busses back leaving one. The one that was left behind was used by hunters and hikers.

Went out there with my brothers a few years ago. Beautiful place.

this vid is much appreciated, but shoulda gotten a better shot of the interior. guess i'll have to go up there myself one day ...

because I'm sure that his family buried him fifteen years before this video was taken. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, his sister brought his ashes home from Alaska herself in 1992. This was posted in 2007.

@Redemmaw You're right. I think many people judge him thinking he was crazy and that he didn't know what he was getting into, but I believe that he had everything planned out. He was a drifter so when he arrived in Alaska he knew the dangers and maybe he didn't mind if he lived or died, he just went with the flow of nature.

This is going on my bucket list

arrive with car...incredible experience!!! Supertramp style!

im kinda changing my mind about the kid...whether he had a map or not, ok, he should have had one but that aint the point...he embraced his passions and lived them and fed his soul with what he loved...he didnt say oh ill do it 2mrw or ive got to much work or any other excuse that we all come up with to justify why we dont follow our dreams...he felt more joy in his 23 years than 1000 of us do in a whole lifetime...

many people do this. Chris McCandlesses transcendentalism inspires us. He is creatinga change in this world for the better even after he has died, I don't know if you have read Into The Wild but, A. the author John Krakauer went to McCandlesses bus, it is how people know so much about him. And B. If you would read the book you would have more of an insight into his life. He owuld want people to know his story so maybe we will wake up and feel what he felt. and C. IT IS ON THE STAMPEDE TRAIL

I just watched it, it's AWESOME don't miss it!

into the wild is great movie i've ever see..thats just amazing character chris..

Well, since the original Iphone (1) only came out 33 days before I uploaded this clip (let alone shot it) getting back to it would have been something back then. (No, I do not, and have never owned one.) This is about 40 miles from where any cell phone, even an old bag phone works. What's Grey's Anatomy?

I agree that he is not a hero. Many of us make mistakes in life that cost us dearly. The fact that he did what he did just makes him someone that didn't prepare. I have a feeling that he was a lot different than what people make him out to be.

btw, a lot of people are talking about the significance of reading the book about chris, Into the Wild. but i think he would say read the books that inspired him because they are the true source of his inspiration and his life was only a mere realization of what they have always stood for and will always stand for.

Finished the book and movie. Amazing, simply amazing.

He was a person who was just trying to find himself. He didn't want to be like everyone else and fit into the "role" of an american student. He wanted to go and find out what he was really meant to do and I think he did find it through the wilderness because he was able for awhile to hold his own.

That's a very eerie sight

The four wheeler trail is a pretty bad way to go in there. It's really buggy and low. My brothers and I hiked down the Sushanna from Denali Nat'l Park, that's the way to go. It took one day to walk in; we woke up the next morning at the bus, walked out, and drove home to Anchorage that same night.

"Everybody seems so curious."......? Don't know what's going to happen now"......? "Probably gonna turn around and head home".......? What is this guys deal..? Why did he even bother going if he acts like he didn't even really want to be there? This buck acts like he's just itching to leave. I guess he left his iPhone back in his Prius and had to get back to check what time Grey's Anatomy was coming on. Anyone who ventures to a place such as this, should have more of a respectful mindset.

actually he went ther because he fell in love with the land the first time he went there during college and as he quoted in the book he wanted "to feel strong, to truely test ones strength against far superior odds" He did fully intend on coming back as he told Wanye in his letters

It feels good to see the bus that Chris McCandless was in.

you may also the works of william least heat moon. blue highways is a wonder and stirs the imagination in the best possible way. motivated initially by despair, it shows us the beauty and wonder of life and gives you back the love of fellow humans with humor and grace.

this is so awesome! thanks so much for putting this up!

he was a good man and a good survivalist (so to speak) and like many people said you should just leave his stuff alone period.

Exactly my thoughts when he said that. At least he managed to get himself to take some shots of the stream and sky.

@1968ddd Consider where he died. An abandoned bus. How did it get there? On a trail. If the bus could get into the place where it died, why couldn’t McCandless get out of the place where he died? The fact that he had to live in an old bus in the first place tells you a lot. Why didn’t he have an adequate shelter from the beginning? What would he have done if he hadn’t found the bus? A bag of rice and a sleeping bag do not constitute adequate gear and provisions for a long stay in the wilderness.

his parents were always arguing, you could compare him to the Buddha, giving up on daily desire to search for the truth in life. I applaud him for his courageous journey. He ultimately found that the truth lies in nature.

i do notif was a hero or not, but what did is what most of wish we can do, he did not go camping, he left everthing behind, to fellow what he desire, and what desire was not some easy to do. but he had guts. how many of here can do that. leave your family friends socitery and your back. and just walk to the wild. it do or die. he die doing something he love. god bless him.

wow its strange seeing it and thinking that he was there... thats where christopher mccandless lived in solitude for what three monthes :) im glad i got to see it and i hope i see it in person one day

yeah, i know the story behind it.....the bus was part of the city Fairbanks Transprtation system. When they were inproving the stampede trail, they put three buses out in the wild to serve as shelter for hunters, other people too. they took two of the buses back with them and left the third one out in the wild for the people. Thats about it, the story behind it.:)

He had a destination! It was Alaska all along! I don't believe he would be glad at all if someone got rid of it! He kept things that meant something to him! I think he would be happy that like minded people could visit the magic bus and beable to get a sense of the freedom he had!

@Bayview05 He wasn't stupid. He just wasn't as afraid of death as most people. I'm sure he knew that it was likely he would not return. And he did survive in the Alaskan wilderness for a long time. That shows he knew what he was doing. I don't think he was a hero or anything, but I don't think people have a right to bash him just because they themselves are too tied to society to understand his motives, especially when they couldn't have done any better.

Didn't know I was in for the admiration award. Not much of a shopping mall, or purchaser of movies person. Back in 2002, I did it for the book, before there was ever a hint of the movie, and the area grew on me. Ever since, I've had the fortune to spend much more time in the area.

Into The Wild rocks!!

that would freak me out going inside haha. just cuz he was there for like 2 weeks dead. but wow the movie really made it look exactly like the real one!!!! thats cool i wanna go there haha.

That's nice. Have him make a video called "riding through the woods with a noisy 4-wheeler" that you can personally enjoy. But if the video is called arriving at the bus, he can start with arriving at the bus.

Actually he DID contribute. He opened a lot of people's eyes with his story. The world has a lot more to offer then medical school...

re: the initials "TCD" on the belt of Chris McCandless my guesses: 1)it could be the initials for Tracy, the girl who had a crush on Chris, whom he met in Slab City, just east of Niland, Ca. (though her name, we now know, is "Tracy Tatro Gates" 2) most likely it's the real initials of the man identified as "Ron Franz", the pseudonym that appears in the book and movie

They filmed the movie in Cantwell, AK. (I had the same ?) I recently made it to the bus and rewatched Into the Wild, it was very obvious that its not the original location. Very cool place to experience though, its incredibly far out there and the Teklanika is no joke to cross!

Amazing, man! Just saw the film a couple a dayz ago!

Christopher McCandaless is my hero...he is the one human being who said fuck it and did what he wanted, not many people have the balls to do that.

Read the book into the wild. This was one of my favorite book I've ever read. I couldn't put it down.

wow that would have been so amazing!

The bus got there back in like the 60's when funding was there to build a road. When funding stopped the road stopped and they left a bunch of those buses there. Thats how the workers got to and from work

It was placed there by a logging company who, in the 50's, attempted to build a road before deciding that it wasn't worth it. They were put there as temporary shelter for the workers who might get trapped out there in bad weather. When the logging company abandoned the idea, they left the bus.

Alaska, Death Valley, the deepest jungles of Borneo. Places like these are not just wild, they're inhospitable. They're deadly. Man inhabits them through acquired, learned, and handed down specialized knowledge. The romantics run off into these places with naive disregard for this fact. Sometimes they're lucky, sometimes they're not. Moviemakers, novelists, and starry-eyed teenagers like to read things into this type of recklessness, especially when it has led to early death.

He seemed like the kind of person that would love you to write in it my friend, It wasnt HIS bus, and thats the basic idea he had on life no? Im sure hed be honored to have you put your mark there aswell. Much love