The Great Chamber, also known as Cutler Point, is one of southern Utah’s most visually arresting and secluded geological wonders. Tucked away in the Grand Staircase-Escalante region just outside of Kanab, this massive wind-swept alcove carved into a Navajo sandstone cliff has become a bucket-list destination for off-road enthusiasts, landscape photographers, and adventure seekers alike. What makes the Great Chamber truly special is its scale and setting—a colossal natural alcove with a towering sand dune rising from its floor, framed by the open sky and sculpted sandstone.
Great Chamber is located at Cutler Point
Getting There
Accessing the Great Chamber is part of the adventure. Located approximately 12 miles north of Kanab, the route requires a high-clearance 4WD or off-road vehicle due to deep sand and unmaintained roads. While experienced drivers in properly equipped UTVs or 4x4s can make the trip independently, many visitors opt for guided tours through local outfitters. These tours not only eliminate the stress of navigation but also offer rich historical and geological context along the way.
The final approach to the Chamber includes a short but moderately strenuous hike—about a quarter mile uphill through soft sand. The trail leads to the mouth of the alcove, where visitors are greeted with one of the most surreal and photogenic views in the Southwest.
More Route Information: Cutler Point-BLM1035
Cutler Point Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 37.18612, -112.45884
You can reach this destination from a few different spots:
– Crocodile Trailhead in Johnson Canyon (GPS Coordinates: 37.14318, -112.39356)
– Hog Canyon OHV Area (GPS Coordinates 37.07912, -112.53762)
– Sand Hills OHV Staging Area – aka Peek-a-Boo Canyon Trailhead (GPS Coordinates: 37.15468, -112.57380)
Cutler Point / Great Chamber
The Experience
Standing inside the Great Chamber is like stepping into another world. The curved rock ceiling arches above a sweeping sand dune that seems almost too perfect to be real. Depending on the time of day, light floods into the chamber and reflects off the sandstone walls in warm hues of orange, pink, and gold. It’s a place where silence amplifies the grandeur, and the scale makes you feel both humbled and awed.
Photographers are especially drawn to the site during golden hour and sunset when the lighting enhances the natural textures and colors of the chamber. Drones are commonly used here as well to capture the vastness of the scene from above.
Planning Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer visits are possible but can be extremely hot, and there’s no shade or water on-site.
- Vehicle Requirements: A capable 4WD vehicle or UTV is essential. Tire deflation and recovery gear are recommended for deep sand travel.
- Permits: No permits are currently required to visit the Great Chamber, but always check with the BLM or local tour providers for updated access rules.
- Respect the Land: As with all remote locations, leave no trace principles are critical. The sand dune and surrounding formations are fragile and easily scarred by foot traffic or climbing.
Trailhead at Cutler Point
The Great Chamber is more than just a scenic spot—it’s an immersive natural experience that rewards those willing to go off the beaten path. With its blend of challenging access, serene isolation, and jaw-dropping beauty, it’s a shining example of the rugged magic that defines Utah’s desert landscape. Whether you’re exploring in a UTV or joining a guided tour, the Great Chamber promises an unforgettable journey into one of the Southwest’s hidden gems.
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