The Great Chamber in Utah: Your Complete Adventure Guide to One of the Southwest’s Best-Kept Secrets

There’s a reason people gasp when they first see it.



The Great Chamber in Utah isn’t just another stop on the road. It’s a jaw-dropping sand dune tucked inside a wind-carved alcove, hidden in the red rock backcountry outside of Kanab. It's one of those places that doesn't look real until you're standing in it, and even then, it feels like you’ve wandered onto the set of a sci-fi movie.

If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. The Great Chamber is still one of the Southwest’s best-kept secrets, and most travelers drive right past it on their way to the more famous spots. But for those in the know, this is the kind of place that makes an adventure unforgettable.

Ready to discover the magic for yourself? This guide covers everything you need to know about the Great Chamber in Utah: where it is, how to get there, what to expect, and why it should be at the very top of your bucket list.

What Is the Great Chamber?

Imagine a massive sandstone alcove, naturally hollowed out by centuries of wind, sheltering a steep, smooth sand dune that seems to glow in the golden light. That’s the Great Chamber.

Also known as Cutler Point (its technical name), the Great Chamber Utah is a geological wonder. The sand dune inside the alcove was created as wind carried sand up into the protected hollow over time. Now, it looks like a natural amphitheater filled with flowing, golden waves of sand.

What makes it so special? It’s the scale. The contrast. The silence. And honestly, the surprise of stumbling across something so grand in such a remote spot.

Where Is the Great Chamber?

The Great Chamber Kanab is located in the Grand Staircase region of Southern Utah, just outside the town of Kanab. It sits off a series of rugged backroads that cut through some of the most scenic and least crowded public lands in the state.

Kanab is a small but vibrant town known for its proximity to incredible sites. You can easily spot Kanab, Utah on map references, and the Kanab, Utah, Visitor Center is a great first stop for advice.

You won’t find a paved parking lot, signage, or guardrails here. It’s wild and remote, which is exactly what makes it feel so magical.

Want an expert to get you there? Book a Great Chamber tour with Expedition Kanab. You’ll get the views and the peace of mind.

You can technically reach the Cutler Point Kanab on your own if you have high-clearance 4WD, off-road driving experience, GPS navigation skills, and a strong tolerance for getting lost. The road is sandy and unmarked in places, and it’s not maintained by the park service.

For most people, the safer and more fun option is to take a guided Great Chamber tour. Not only do you get a skilled local driver and a top-quality UTV or Jeep, but you’ll also hear stories about the land, snap incredible photos, and avoid the stress of figuring it all out yourself.

At Expedition Kanab, we offer tours that combine the Great Chamber Utah Hike with other local gems like Peekaboo Slot Canyon for a full-day, action-packed experience.

Pro Tip: The access roads are connected to scenic routes like Johnson Canyon Road Utah, so always double-check Kanab Utah directions or use a guide.

When to Visit the Great Chamber

Southern Utah is a year-round destination, but certain seasons bring their own magic to the Great Chamber Utah.

• Spring (March to May): Cooler temps, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds.
  
• Summer (June to August): Hot, but mornings and evenings are still doable. Sunset tours are especially stunning.
• Fall (September to November): Crisp weather and golden light make fall one of the best times to visit.
• Winter (December to February): Quiet, peaceful, and possibly dusted with snow for a surreal photo opp. Just bundle up.

If you’re after the perfect light for photography, aim for early morning or golden hour in the evening. The way the sun filters into the alcove is pure magic.

What to Bring (and Wear)

We cover this in detail in our post on what to wear for a UTV tour, but here’s the quick version for the Great Chamber Utah Hike:

• Closed-toe shoes (you’ll be hiking up soft sand)
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Water (always)
• A camera or phone with storage space
• A light jacket (depending on time of year)

The sand dune is steep, but short. It’s a quick hike with a big payoff.

Why People Love It (And Keep Coming Back)

The Great Chamber isn’t just another scenic spot. It’s the kind of place that sticks with you.

• Photographers love the natural lighting, textures, and scale.
• Families love how the dune is fun for kids and awe-inspiring for adults.
• Travelers love that it still feels like a hidden gem.
• Locals love sharing it with people who’ve never seen anything like it.

We’ve had guests say it was the highlight of their entire Southwest road trip. Some book repeat visits just to show it to friends and family.

Combine It with Other Adventures

Want to make your Great Chamber visit part of a bigger adventure? Our Peekaboo + Great Chamber Loop is our most-loved tour for a reason. It’s the perfect blend of off-road adrenaline and out-of-this-world beauty.

Here are just some of our unforgettable stops during your Kanab itinerary:

• East Zion Outback: Rugged cliffs, scenic overlooks, and off-the-beaten-path beauty that most Zion visitors miss entirely.
  
• The Coral Pink Sand Dunes: Golden hills of sand perfect for UTV adventures, sandboarding, and sunsets you’ll never forget.
  
• The Grand Staircase: Vast, remote, and full of secrets—this national monument is a paradise for explorers and geology lovers.
  
• Utah Dark Sky: End your day under a sky filled with stars. Kanab’s remote location offers some of the best stargazing in the country.

Each destination adds a different flavor to your adventure, whether you’re chasing views, carving through sand, or soaking up the silence of the stars.

If you're still building your dream itinerary, be sure to check out our full list of things to do in Kanab while you're here.