I Survived a Night in America's Last Lawless City

Have you ever heard of Slab City, in Southern California? It's an experimental town of about 300 outcasts who live without running water or electricity in the middle of the harsh desert. I first heard about Slab City when my friends Yes Theory went 6 years ago, and it's been on my list ever since then... So I finally decided to go, alone, and I couldn't believe what I saw.

Join me as I take you on a journey through the heart of this extraordinary off-grid community, shedding light on its unique culture, art, and unconventional way of life that thrives in the remnants of an abandoned military base, known as the 'Last Free Place on Earth.'

Whether you're a backpacker or simply curious about this unique corner of the world, this story will provide an authentic look at what it's really like to visit Slab City.

#california #travel #america

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👨🏻‍🦰 WHO AM I?
I'm Drew Binsky and I have been to EVERY country in the world (197/197). I make documentaries about interesting people and cultures in faraway places. My ultimate goal is to inspire you to travel because I think it's the best education that you can get. And our planet is beautiful!

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Additional footage of Slab City by:
FLIM FLAM FILM, BIG SUPER LIVING IN ARIZONA, DESTINATION ADVENTURE, DANNY MULLEN, BOYD MATSON, SEAN57, DISCOVER WITH RUHI CENET, WANNA WANDER, PAUL BARGER, CAPT JACK-OFFGRID, 4QFILES, LYFE UNTETHERED, MATT CULLEN

*Some of the links or other products that appear on this video are from companies which I earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

[drewbinsky]

This video is a different approach to my normal style of storytelling. It’s way more raw (shot only on gopro and iPhone) - and I’d love to get feedback from you! Do you prefer this style? Or the more cinematic, high production value with Sony cameras and gimbles? Thank you - your feedback means a lot to me!

[christianoliver]

I liked the retired guy with the guitar.
I appreciate dearly when he says that everyone is going to take their turn at being the 'difficult' person.

[rocket]

My wife and went to slab city almost 4 years ago in late December. We visited Salvation Mountain and got out and looked around. We didn’t have any problems and got to see something truly unique. Thanks for visiting and sharing your experience.

[nuzayerov]

This is one of the most memorable travel vlogs that I've seen. I thought places like these only existed in video games and movies but seeing it still exists is so amazing.

[Saavik]

Wow, the Slabs have changed a lot since I last saw them (~20 years ago) but it's good to see that the Salvation Mountain is in good condition since Leo died. (Honestly one of the kindest people I've ever met)

[lemmykoopa]

I’d say Slab City and places like it are both a blessing and a curse. People often come here to escape for some reason but if they can’t withstand the harsh conditions then they just find themselves suffering still. Still, it’s heartwarming that there are so many nice people in a “lawless” place like this, and that they are willing to help each other rather than steal and envy one another.

[gaminacthemaniac]

I camped out in Slab City with some friends, it was truly a great experience, we went to Salvation Mountain, went to Rabbitside, went to the Library, went to East Jesus, then we went to the Range and they were playing music, everyone was very friendly and welcoming, so glad I got to experience it.

[georgiascookies]

I work with the homeless a lot. Often, the true homeless aren't homeless at all
They just choose to live outside what we call "normal" in society. They want to live by their own rules and not conform. Slab City is a perfect place for that. It's just sad that the drugs and mental illness follow this group wherever they tend to go. Awesome video.

[reecerox]

"Everyone eventually takes their turn at being unpleasant" this is THE man

[alaskanhermit]

The fact that we get free travel videos from Drew Binsky on YouTube is priceless.., keeping the knowledge and entertainment alive. 👏👏👏

[jessicamiller]

Every time I see a documentary about this place I get happy goosebumps. I wish I could live there, for a while. Before I was disabled and often bed bound, I traveled, a lot. Always gravitate to the obscure, the artsy, the interesting people (or do they find me?). I so wish I knew about this place before it was too late.

[Archangel]

When I was in the Army we used to train at Ft Irwin - about two hours north of Slab City. The Mojave Desert is some of the harshest, most unforgiving climate and landscape in the world. You could literally drink two gallons of water a day and still feel dehydrated. I don’t see how these folks do it.

[kyliebuccellato]

Hi Drew, been watching your videos for a bit while I am living aborad for the first time in my life. I LOVED the style of this one. Thank you for allowing the people of slab city to share their stories

[GabrielTravelerVideos]

Amazing that you managed to get in there and film. I've wondered what it was really like. Definitely some characters around there. Interesting that Into the Wild is your favorite movie. In 1992 I was going to university in Juneau, Alaska. The previous year I'd spent at UAF in Fairbanks. I worked in Denali Park in the summer of '91 and had another job lined up there in '92. School ended in early May, so I left Juneau, took a ferry to Haines and then hitchhiked through Canada and back into Alaska to Denali Park. This was about a week after Chris McCandless had hitchhiked part of the same route. I worked through the summer in Denali and sometime in August heard about a guy who had died outside the park. I had a subscription to Outside magazine, and a few months later got the magazine in the mail with the article that Jon Krakauer had written about what happened to Chris. It really blew me away to hear the back story of this guy who we'd only heard a shred of information about when I was working up there. Crazy story, but I can certainly identify with his quest for something other than the mainstream way of living.

[Partnerthedog]

I saw my friend in the video! Yeah slab city is cool to visit. Ive spent a month there and never was in danger just dont leave yourself open to getting stollen from or taken advantage of and obviously be smart and respectful

[subhor]

Love this video telling style. It's just more raw and personal. This place really looks the wild west which has lost its glory days. Sometimes I wonder what really makes people stick around places like these.

[sophiaisabelle]

We appreciate your dedication and hard work, Drew. We all know for a fact you're capable of overcoming challenges. Bless you and your loves ones.

[sananikhah]

insane, slab city is like isolated but when there are new visitors they are very welcome, perfect example of dont judge a book by its cover

[Kenpachi]

I’ve seen a lot of creators do a video in slab city and nobody ever said who was responsible for the Jesus is Love piece.I support that message. I love your videos for the research you put into these. ❤️❤️❤️

[giannishen]

Although the local living environment is not good, people are still content and strive to create happiness. Perhaps this is a warning!
Maybe this is a model for our future survival!
Thank you for taking us to the filming scene of the movie "Into the Wild", you are super great! 👍🥰🙏