Chris McCandless Journey Map

Chris first visited Alaska in 1989.He ended up here April 25, 1992. This is where he met Jim Gallien. Jim Gallien is the man that was kind and sympathetic enough to give Chris a ride to his final destination, the Stampede Trail. After dropping Chris off, Gallien almost contacted the authorities out of concern for Chris' safety.

Teklanika River, Alaska

"The Magic Bus."

Last known photo of Chris at his "Magic Bus." Alaska

May 1, 1992

Chris crossed the Teklanika River and found a bus a little ways off. He tried to continue his trip, but ended up having to go back to the bus. After two months, Chris decided he wanted to head back home but realized that it was impossible due to the flooding river. Chris eventually starved to death due to a chemical given off by seeds. Nineteen days later, his body was found in the bus by some hunters.

Photo Credits go to...

Chris McCandless, Fairbanks Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska

Wayne, Chris, and Wayne's wife.

September 1990

South Dakota

Carthage, South Dakota

After catching a ride from Wane Westerberg, Alex got a job at the same grain elevator that Wayne was working at, and eventually become great companions. Once Wayne got arrested and put in jail, Alex was forced to move on.

Alex's last stop before heading to Alaska was Carthage, South Dakota. Wayne had gotten out of jail and Alex decided to work for him for a bit. He then decides to head to Alaska.

Northern California

Chris stole a bike from a man named Ernie and pedaled to Northern California. There, he got a ride from a woman named Jan. Jan thought Chris (Alex) was a lot like her own son who was traveling the world. After there departure, Chris continued to send Jan letters to keep in touch.

Detrital Wash, Arizona

Chris begins to travel west to Arizona. After his yellow Datsun got damaged in a flash flood storm, he was forced to abandon it along with many other belongings. One of the most treasured of these items was a guitar that his mother used to use to sing him lullabies as a child. The other items that Chris abondonded were a saucepan that had $4.93 in change, fishing rod and tackle, new electric razor, harmonica, jumper cables, and 25 pounds of rice. The car was eventually found by some park rangers.

Emory University

Annandale, Virginia

After being born to Billie Johnson and Walt McCandless in California, they finally moved there. He then pursued his education until he graduated in 1986, where he was accepted into Emory University.

Bullhead, Arizona

Alex decides to temporarily settle down in Bullhead, Arizona, where he lived in a trailer and got a job at McDonalds. Even though McCandless had respected the rules and his resentment towards them, everyone had found him strange, (once his shift was done he would take no hesitation in taking his shoes AND socks off.) Alex was on good terms with his coworkers. After about half a year, he contacted his friend, Jan, and decides to leave town and go with her and her husband.

Young Chris McCandless before cross country.

Bullhead City, Arizona

Salton City, California

Salton Bay Yatch Club, Salton City, California

Alex began his trip toward Alaska and stayed at camp just outside of Salton City. He was picked up one day by a man named Ronald Franz on his way to the city. The two became very close and Franz ended up asking Alex if he could adopt him as his own grandson.

Emory University, Atlanta GA

While Chris was attending Emory, he started discovering some of his father's secrets which led Chris to eventually break things off between himself and his parents. After graduation he told his parents he would be gone for a while. He then donated the remaining $25,000 dollars to OXFAM.

Gulf Coast and Mexico-Texas Boarder

Alex had tried to cross the Mexican border in a kayak, where he travels towards the Gulf Coast and given a ride by some locals. After he arrived at the coast, he explored many places by kayak. Then getting into some rough waters he abandoned his kayaking plan and returned back to America.

Chris McCandless's Adventure

Created By: Sarah Clarot, Piyaphon Kanghae, & Bethany hewitt