Yosemite National Park, California
The most common soil here is Canisrocks, on about 14% of the land: a coarse sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Xeric Dystrocryepts and Glacierpoint come next.
About 44% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 36% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 31% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 12% 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 Yosemite National Park, California, 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 Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Yosemite National Park, California. 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-Crazymule-Vitrandic Cryorthents association, 0 to 45 percent slopes, joints, fractures, scoured, cryic | 62K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Canisrocks complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes, mountain slopes, cryic | 43K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Canisrocks-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes, mountain slopes, cryic | 38K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not rated | Not rated |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Canisrocks association, 0 to 80 percent slopes, cirqued mountainflanks, cryic | 34K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rock outcrop-Canisrocks-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes, moraines, mountain slopes, cryic | 33K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Canisrocks-Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, mountainflanks, cryic | 32K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Typic Cryorthents-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes, mountain slopes, joints, cryic | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not rated | Not rated |
| Rock outcrop-Canisrocks-Glacierpoint complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, mountain slopes, joints, cryic | 28K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Canisrocks-Rock outcrop-Glacierpoint complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes, mountain slopes, cryic | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisrocks-Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Vitrandic Dystrocryepts association, 2 to 30 percent slopes, glacially scoured mountain valleys, cryic | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Canisrocks-Xeric Dystrocryepts association, 5 to 30 percent slopes, mountain valleys, moraines, cryic | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Canisrocks-Glacierpoint-Humic Dystrocryepts complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes, lateral moraines, cryic | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canisrocks-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, mountain slopes, moraines, cryic | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craneflat-Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Waterwheel association, 30 to 80 percent slopes, mountainflanks, frigid | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waterwheel-Humic Dystroxerepts complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, mountain slopes, frigid | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Canisrocks-Rock outcrop-Glacierpoint complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes, mountain slopes, moraines, joints, cryic | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rubble land-Typic Cryorthents-Rock outcrop-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, mountainflanks, metamorphic, mafic, cryic | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rock outcrop-Craneflat-Waterwheel association, 0 to 30 percent slopes, mountain slopes, frigid | 13K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Canisrocks-Crazymule complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, mountain slopes, lateral moraines, cryic | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glacierpoint-Typic Cryorthents complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes, mountain slopes, lateral moraines, aprons, cryic | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
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 31% 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
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.