The Tiny but Mighty Soil of Moab: Why You Should NEVER Step on That Black Crust
Okay, let’s talk about one of Moab’s most underestimated and misunderstood locals—and no, it’s not that guy who always brings his guitar to the campfire. We’re talking about cryptobiotic soil. It might not sound exciting, but trust me—this stuff is WILD.
What is Cryptobiotic Soil Anyway?
Let’s break it down. “Crypto” means hidden, and “biotic” means life. So, cryptobiotic soil literally means hidden life soil. And that’s exactly what it is: a delicate, living crust made up of cyanobacteria, mosses, lichens, fungi, and algae.
This soil is found all over the high desert in the Moab area—and it’s been quietly doing its thing for hundreds (yes, HUNDREDS) of years. It looks like a dark, crunchy crust on top of the ground, kind of like black popcorn or a tiny alien landscape.
It might not look like much, but this humble little crust is crucial to desert ecosystems.
Why Is It So Important?
Cryptobiotic soil is like the desert’s unsung superhero. It:
Prevents erosion: It holds the soil in place, keeping wind and rain from washing away precious topsoil.
Holds moisture: Which is a big deal in the desert. This helps plants grow and supports the local wildlife.
Fixes nitrogen: It pulls nitrogen from the air and puts it into the soil, which helps other plants grow in otherwise tough conditions.
Supports entire ecosystems: Without it, desert life—from tiny wildflowers to towering cottonwoods—would struggle to survive.
Basically, it’s the foundation of life in the desert, and it’s ridiculously easy to destroy.
Why You Should NEVER Step on It
Here’s the deal: cryptobiotic soil is incredibly fragile. Like, heartbreakingly fragile. One misstep can crush it and undo decades (seriously—decades) of growth. It’s like stepping on a baby cactus that was working really hard to exist.
Once it’s crushed, it can take 50 to 250 years to fully recover. That’s longer than your grandma’s old sourdough starter has been around.
That’s why when you're hiking around Moab, you’ll hear the desert motto:
“Don’t bust the crust.”
How to Avoid Damaging It
If you're out exploring the red rocks (which you absolutely should be), here’s how you can avoid being that person:
Stick to trails: Whether it's a marked path or a sandy wash, always walk where others have walked before.
Camp only in designated areas: Campsites and pull-offs are carefully chosen to avoid damaging soil and plant life.
Keep your pups on trail too: Dog paws can do just as much damage—so keep them on the path.
Educate your friends: Most people don’t mean to harm the desert. Share what you know in a friendly way!
It’s About Respecting the Land
One of the reasons we all fall in love with Moab is because it’s wild and untamed—but keeping it that way requires a little knowledge and a lot of respect. The beauty you see out here isn’t just rocks and arches—it’s entire ecosystems working together in delicate harmony.
So next time you’re wandering through the desert and see those little black, bumpy mounds, remember: they’re alive, ancient, and vital. Walk around them like your future desert adventures depend on it—because they totally do.
TL;DR (Too Long; Desert Rocks)
Cryptobiotic soil is a living crust in Moab that prevents erosion, supports life, and takes decades to grow. It’s super fragile, so stick to trails, don't bust the crust, and help others do the same!
Let’s be kind to the land so it can keep being the epic, wild, and soul-refreshing place we all know and love.