Stampede Trail

The Stampede Trail heads 8 miles into the Alaskan wilderness from Healy, ending at the abandoned Fairbanks City Transit bus where Chris McCandless lived and died in 1992. Made famous by Jon Krakauer’s book and Sean Penn’s film, this trail crosses the Savage River at mile 6—a potentially dangerous ford that has trapped vehicles and stranded hikers. The trail deteriorates rapidly after the river, becoming a muddy, rutted mess through dense black spruce forest before reaching Bus 142 in a small clearing.

This is a difficult trail requiring serious 4WD capability, recovery gear, and solid water crossing skills. The Savage River can be knee-deep and fast-flowing during spring melt and heavy rains. Best attempted June through August when water levels are typically lower. No permits required, but the bus itself sits on private property. Camping is allowed along the trail. Many attempt this pilgrimage seeking McCandless’s story, but the real lesson here is respecting Alaska’s unforgiving wilderness—come prepared or don’t come at all.