Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The most common soil here is Arches, on about 7% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Tsaya and Mido come next.
About 48% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 2% of it.
USDA rates 44% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 37% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 89% 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 Canyonlands National Park, Utah, 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 Canyonlands National Park, Utah. 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-Tsaya complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 53K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Arches complex, 2 to 60 percent slopes | 51K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Tsaya family-Moenkopie complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Arches complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Arches-Mido-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mathis family-Rock outcrop-Rizno complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop-Badland complex, 4 to 70 percent slopes, extremely boudery | 11K | Well drained | B | Not rated | Not rated |
| Rizno-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mido-Begay complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Reef-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sazi-Rizno complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mido-Batterson-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Arches-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Needle complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Torriorthents complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 6K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Water | 5K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Reef-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rizno-Ignacio complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Nalcase complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | 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 37% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 44% 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.