Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
The most common soil here is Needle, on about 8% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Torriorthents and Pagina come next.
About 38% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 38% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% 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 80% 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 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, 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 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 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 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-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 |
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 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 38% 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.