Grand Canyon Area, Arizona, Parts of Coconino and Mohave Counties

Survey Area AZ701• Arizona

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 27% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 27% 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.