Grant Johnson is definitely one of those people that you would describe as “inspirational”. With a rugged and outdoorsy vibe, a strong sense of self, and an articulate demeanor, Grant has always known what he wanted in life. And the time it takes to get what he wants has never been an issue either.
Not one to rush things, Grant spent more than 20 years creating his cave home. The purpose with which he lives his life is evident in every nook and cranny of this incredible 5700 square foot dwelling near Boulder, Utah. And if you happen to be in the neighborhood, you can stay there too. As you might be thinking, 5700 square feet is an awful lot of space. So he carved out a 2 bedroom rental for guests to come share the experience with him. (1, 3)
Home Sweet Cave Home
Right in the thick of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah, is where the 40-acres that Grant calls home is located. In 1977 when he put a trailer here, the whole area was little more than sand dunes and rocks. But now it’s home to three gardens, an orchard, pasture land, and a whole menagerie of animals. He has created an entire ecosystem in his little haven off the beaten path. But the real star of the show is this mind-blowing cave. (2)
Blasted out of a 60-foot-tall 150-foot-wide rock, Grant’s cave home is truly a sight to behold. A labor of love stretching from 1980 to 2003, it took a lot of time, effort, and resources too. He spent 8 winters there blasting with dynamite. Then it would sit for long periods of time while he went off to work, and get the money he needed to take the project to the next step. (1, 2)
When he began working the land, one of the first things he did was plant the orchard. Knowing it would take a long time for the trees to bear fruit, it was important to get that going right away. He also hooked up an irrigation system to the pond up the hill from him. Using gravity and a water wheel, he was able to generate electricity for his homestead. He grows all manner of fruits and vegetables and has pigs he raises for meat too. He has plenty of pastureland for his cows so that they are well-fed and contribute to the whole ecosystem. These are some of the many ways that Grant and this land work together to provide a healthful, natural life out in the middle of nowhere, Utah. (1, 3)
Positive Living In A Negative Space
Grant says he is surprised at how inspiring his guests find this homestead of his. It’s a happy side effect to be sure, and he certainly does find it inspiring too, but that wasn’t something he set out to do… provide an inspiring place.
Instead, Grant set out to live his life the way he knew he always wanted to. It took him a while to get there, but perhaps that’s what is so inspiring about this home and Grant’s story too. He did always know what he wanted… he was always moving in that direction, even if slowly. Many of us don’t have the luxury of knowing what we want, or the time to realize our true dreams. So when guests come to stay in Grant’s cave home, perhaps that’s what they’re feeling: that they too have all the potential in the world, and it’s time to go out and get it. They recharge here.
Grant says that life in the cave is “positive living in a negative space”, and that’s a perfect way to put it. (1)
