Grand Canyon Area, Arizona, Parts of Coconino and Mohave Counties
The most common soil here is Lithic Torriorthents, on about 7% of the land. Calcic Petrocalcids and Lithic Haplocalcids come next.
About 36% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 36% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 35% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 77% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Grand Canyon Area, Arizona, Parts of Coconino and Mohave Counties, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Grand Canyon Area, Arizona, Parts of Coconino and Mohave Counties. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Torriorthents-Lithic Torriorthents complex, supai group and redwall formation, 2 to 60 percent slopes | 126K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Lithic Haplocalcids-Rock outcrop complex, esplanade formation, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 108K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Calcic Petrocalcids-Calcic Petrocalcids, moderately steep-Rock outcrop complex, hermit formation, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 97K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Meriwhitica-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kellypoint-Luzena complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aridic Lithic Ustorthents-Rock outcrop complex, supai group, cool, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 40K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Lithic Ustic Torriorthents-Ustic Haplocalcids complex, tonto group and redwall formation, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 40K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Lithic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, muav and redwall formations, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 36K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Lithic Ustic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, supai group, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 35K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Kanabownits-Kippers-Kaiparowits complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 31K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Curhollow-Puertecito-Mellenthin families complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iceberg-Rock outcrop-Helkitchen association | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Lithic Haplargids-Rock outcrop complex, tonto group, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 25K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Chunkmonk-Wodomont-Toqui families complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaiparowits gravelly fine sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calcic Petrocalcids-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 23K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Lithic Haplocambids-Lithic Haplargids complex, bright angel and tapeats formations, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Lithic Torriorthents complex, supai group, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 22K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Typic Torriorthents complex, hermit formation, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 21K | D | Not rated | Not rated |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 36% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.