Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Needle complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 251K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Water | 165K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Arches complex, 2 to 60 percent slopes | 131K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Torriorthents complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 120K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Farb-Pagina-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 20 percent slopes, bouldery | 67K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reef-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 58K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop-Badland complex, 4 to 70 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 57K | B | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rizno-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 25 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pagina-Denazar complex, 2 to 14 percent slopes | 45K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moenkopie-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 24 percent slopes | 44K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ustic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop-Badland complex, 4 to 54 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 36K | B | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Arches-Mido-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tsaya-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 18 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Needle-Sheppard complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes, very rocky | 17K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Earlweed-ThumbRock complex, 5 to 22 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Juanalo family-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 28 percent slopes, bouldery | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Tsaya complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 12K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Westmion-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 18 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Somorent family-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 33% 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.