Zion National Park, Utah

Survey Area UT690• Utah

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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Zion 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-Parkwash-Pinepoint complex, 5 to 70 percent slopes	51K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Mathis Family-Paradox Family-Parida Family complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tucupit-Metuck Taxadjunct complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Zillion Family-Detra-Kolob Taxadjunct complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chinmoe-Tacan Family-Tucupit Taxadjunct complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Ojavan-Parkwash complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pinepoint-Parkwash-Rock Outcrop-Ojavan, 5 to 70 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Argiustolls-Rock outcrop-Fluventic Haplustepts undifferentiated group, 5 to 45 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pinepoint-Caval Taxadjunct complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Paunsaugunt-Markagunt complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Paunsaugunt-Detra-Hogg complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kinesava Taxadjunct-Calcic Haplustalfs-Paunsaugunt complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dalcan-Hillery Family-Detra complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hogg-Kunz-Kinesava-Paunsaugunt complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Paradox Family-Weska complex, 15 to 75 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Menefee Taxadjunct-Tuces Family-Chinmoe complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Detra-Calcic Haplustalfs-Kolob Taxadjunct complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bond-Bisoodi complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dalcan-Rubble land association, 20 to 75 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Aridic Ustifluvents-Abiquiu Family-Riverwash association, 0 to 5 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 62% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

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.