Zion National Park, Utah
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Zion National Park, Utah.
| 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 |
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.