Where Was Into The Wild Filmed? Filming Locations For A Road Trip! 

Have you ever dreamt about giving up your mundane life, selling all of your assets–even that valuable car of yours, and setting out on a journey into the wilderness? Yes? It’s okay. We all have fantasized about quitting our jobs with a resignation email that says–onto nicer things in life. But, it’s just not possible for most of us. So, thank god, we have movies like Into The Wild (2007). In case you don’t know where was Into The Wild filmed, keep reading! 

Knowing the filming locations of this movie will actually help you imagine better–imagine that you’re actually there with the protagonist of the film. And, you might even be tempted to visit those beautiful locations yourself! I mean, what are the odds that you might actually quit your job and book a one-way ticket to Alaska? Because adventure movies do have that kind of effect, you know. 

Anyways, Into The Wild was filmed all over the United States. We have scenes shot at Emory University, Atlanta, Lake Mead, Pacific Crest Trail, South Dakota, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, California, and more! 

To know more about these filming locations, keep scrolling through this article! 

The Plot Of Into The Wild | What Is Into The Wild About?

Based on a non-fiction, biographical book, Into The Wild follows Christopher McCandless, a top student and athlete. After graduating from Emory University, he leaves all of his possessions and donates his entire college savings– $24,000 to charity without telling his parents anything about it. He even refuses a car that his parents offered as a graduation present! 

Christopher believes that city life is only isolating him from the truth. So, he hitches a ride to Alaska. Along the way, Christopher meets several amazing people who have a profound impact on his life.

Here are some more details about the film:

Now, without further ado, let’s see where was Into The Wild filmed! 

Here’s Where Was Into The Wild Filmed | Explore All Filming Locations Below!

Are you excited to accompany Christopher McCanless on his solo trip? I know that’s not how solo trips work, but that was me speaking figuratively.  Anyways, if you like to accompany people on their picturesque journeys, you must know about the filming locations of Netflix’s first South Korean show Kingdom and The Huntsman! 

Emory University, Atlanta, Virginia

This is the place where Christopher McCandless begins his trip. Chris graduates from Emory University in Atlanta (Virginia) and decides to free himself from the complications of the world and travel. He separates himself from the world that he thinks has kept him away from the truth. Some shots of the Emory campus are also taken from in front of Michael C Carlos Hall. 

However, the graduation ceremony is held belongs to Reed College, a private liberal arts institution in Portland. 

Lake Mead, Arizona

So, we see Chris craving for freedom and the truth, he tries to obtain it by getting on the road. And as Chris says, the road has forever directed him to the west. So, that is where he goes. But, his road trip comes to an abrupt end when his car gets caught in a flash flood. That scene is shot near Lake Mead in Arizona. 

Also, here Chris doesn’t only give up his car, he also sheds his old identity: Christopher Mc Canless in favor of a new one that suits his new life better: Alexander Supertramp. Also, Lake Mead is actually the biggest reservoir in the United States! So, if you ever happen to be in Arizona or Nevada, don’t forget to visit Lake Mead! 

Pacific Crest Trail, California

We see Chris or Alexander continuing his trip to Northern California. Here, he treks the Pacific Crest Trail– one of the most difficult trails in the world. Chris also befriends a couple of hippies near Lake Tahoe and travels with them for some time. 

If you’re into hiking, you must consider the Pacific Crest Trail, which is a 4,286 km route going from Mexico to Canada. You’ll be left dumbstruck by those beautiful sceneries along the way!

Beard’s Hollow, Washington, Oregon

Remember Jan Burres? One of the hippies that Chris met near Lake Tahoe? He and Jan camp on a beach at Beard’s Hollow, located in Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington/Oregon. We also get to see the two of them sharing heartfelt moments while playing with waves on the beach. 

Carthage, South Dakota

Alex or Chris can’t bear the intimacy he shares with Jan. That’s why he runs away from her in the middle of the night without any warning or goodbyes. Somehow, he ends up in a tiny town called Carthage in South Dakota. 

There, he starts to earn by working on a grain farm. This proves beneficial for his personal growth. Because while working there, he gets beautiful life lessons from the farm owner Wayne. His fellow farm employee also provides him with tips on surviving in the wilderness. 

Colorado River

Soon, Wayne, the farm owner, gets arrested for dubious shady cable boxes. That’s how Alex’s journey takes a completely different and unexpected turn. While traveling, he stumbles across a store with canoeing equipment on display. 

And just like that, Alex decides to go kayaking on the Colorado River. If you are interested in Kayaking as well, you can try recreating Chris’ experience by going on a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. 

Coconino County, Arizona

Lee’s Ferry, located in Coconino County, is one of the few spots from where Colorado Lake can be accessed. The others are hundreds of miles away from this one. Needless to say, the spot became important, In fact, it was named after John Doyle Lee! 

There was a small problem, though. Alex found out that there’s a 12-year waiting list for sailing across the river. But, when has Alex paid any attention to the rules? He pushes his kayak and lands straight into the violent Rapids. 

Golfo de Santa Clara, Mexico

After kayaking for 644 kilometers, Chris arrives at the Golfo de Santa Clara, located in the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. The idea of traveling to Mexico was planted in his head by two eccentric Danish tourists. 

He lives in a cave there for 36 days and then tries to cross the border to go back to the United States. But, he can’t do so without an ID. So, this leaves him with no option but to hop on a freight train that takes him back to Los Angeles. 

Los Angeles, California

Did you think that Chris has put his adventures to rest and returned back to a ‘normal life’? If yes, you were wrong. Chris’ stay in Los Angeles is quite short. Without money or ID, the only place he can live is a non-profit shelter called Mission. He gets in a queue to get admission into the shelter. 

But he doesn’t stay there for even a single night. Because it’s clear to him that city life is not for him. He escapes city life, hops on another freight train, and returns to nature. 

Salvation Mountain, Colorado Desert

Yet another train ride takes Chris to Slab City, which is a huge campsite for people who stay there in the winter before going back to their original places). There he meets Jan and Rainey again. He gets involved in a romantic relationship with a folksinger, Tracy. 

The two of them visit the Salvation Mountain, a 50-foot artificial hill made of adobe, straw, paint, etc. They also meet its creator, Leonard Knight. Also, KNight passed away back in 2014, and today the Salvation Mountain has become a pilgrimage.

Salton Sea

Chris can’t stay in one place, no matter what good that place has to offer to him. So, he leaves Tracy and gets on the road again. Jan drops him to Salton City. There he comes across an old man called Ron Franz, who sees Chris as the family he lost in a car accident and offers to adopt him as a grandson. 

Now, Chris being Chris, breaks free and travels to Alaska. However, the two of them have their own beautiful moments. Chris convinces Franz to climb a mountain from where the whole Salton Sea is visible. 

Cantwell, Alaska

Chris continues his journey with yet another broken heart behind him. God, this man is quite relentless. Alaska is the place where Chris believes he will find the truth–something he’s been searching for all along. He comes across an old and abandoned bus there and names it–Magic Bus. 

This Magic Bus scene is situated on the Stampede Trail in Denali National Park. Today, it is famous for hikers from across the world. But, before you decide to visit this place, let me tell you that this trail is definitely not for newbie hikers. It requires experience, training, and top gear equipment. 

Final Words

Alright, people! By now, I hope you know where was Into The Wild was filmed! In this article, we have looked at some beautiful filming locations for this ultra-popular action-drama film! I don’t think you’ll be able to resist not visiting these places! Let me know which location you’re most excited to visit in the comment section below!