In 1980, Grant Johnson left behind the conventional world and bought 40 acres of remote desert land near Boulder, Utah — now part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Seeking solitude, he began an extraordinary quest: carving a 5,700-square-foot home directly into desert bedrock. What started as a simple canyon dwelling evolved into a massive underground sanctuary after eight years of blasting rock and meticulous craftsmanship. The finished cave even features a jam room with perfect acoustics for his harmonica.
Drawing on skills he gained as a college-age miner, Johnson lived in a trailer for 25 years without electricity or running water. As he cultivated a self-reliant lifestyle — growing his own food and embracing total isolation — the idea of turning solid stone into a livable home took root. Though daunting and costly, he pushed forward, eventually building a fully off-grid residence with water pumped from a nearby pond, electricity powered by a turbine, and even satellite internet as his only outside connection.
A video tour of his cave home, released in 2020, went viral for its breathtaking views and ingenious design — seamlessly blending modern comforts with the rugged beauty of the desert. More than a private retreat, Johnson now welcomes guests to experience his cave via Airbnb, where visitors rave about his hospitality and the unforgettable ambiance.
His motto, “positive living in a negative space,” captures the spirit of his journey — a testament to perseverance, creativity, and harmony with nature. From lone desert dweller to inspirational host, Grant Johnson’s story is one of vision, grit, and the ultimate DIY dream fulfilled.
