Yosemite Valley & Merced River Rafting Fun: Top Drops
Beginning in March and running through early summer, the Merced River in Mariposa County offers a range of rafting experiences. Winding through the flatter, smoother waters of Yosemite Valley, rafters can admire what Ansel Adams deemed “a vast edifice of stone and space” as they bounce down river. For a more challenging whitewater rafting trip, the Merced gets attitudinal during peak snowmelt as it leaves Yosemite Park and drops dramatically through the narrow canyons near the town of El Portal.
Thrill-seekers thirst for the haystacks, funnels and hairy drops of Yosemite whitewater rafting. Located just outside the Park in the steep Merced River Canyon, a Merced River rafting trip is the ultimate choice for edge-of-the-raft excitement. In spring these Class II to Class IV rapids are all the rage with names such as Nightmare Alley, Stark Reality and Corner Pocket.
As the summer heats up and the flow decreases, much of the river becomes easy Class I ripples perfect for sun-bathing on calm backwaters and chilling with friends.
The fun starts in El Portal along all-season Highway 140, and features nearly 30 miles of navigable river all the way down to Lake McClure. Another popular put-in is the Briceburg Suspension Bridge, where the nearby campgrounds and beaches of the Wild & Scenic Merced River Recreation Area provide their own picnic-worthy destinations. Check out these whitewater rafting guides to help get a feel for the flow.
Whitewater Excitement
Since 1978, Whitewater Excitement has been all about stress relief. Founder Norm Schoenhofff believes “it is about more than the rivers, white water rafting, and wild rapids (however, these are the paths we use), it is about sharing ourselves and sharing experiences with people we do not yet know, but who we will know after a very short time.” This philosophy is evident in their single-day trips down the Merced River. The 16-mile run begins at Red Bud Picnic site with 3.5 miles of nonstop rapids such as Nightmare Island and Grand Slam (Class IV).
Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
Since its inception in 1973, Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions has gone from Levi cutoffs and military surplus boats to hi-tech sandals and self-bailing rafts. As the largest whitewater outfitter in the Yosemite area, Zephyr has remained committed over the years to helping guests experience the magic of paddling the twists, turns and drops of the Merced River. With full day (16 miles/7 hours) and halfday (11 miles/4 hours) options beginning in April, trips include wetsuits/paddle jackets, helmets, life jackets and a “river gourmet” lunch (full day only). Zephyr also has in-house photographers to capture your wild ride.
Sierra Mac River Trips
The closest rafting company to Yosemite National Park, Sierra Mac is also the oldest. Founded in 1965, Sierra Mac fought to have the Merced River bestowed with “Wild and Scenic” status by the US Congress for its outstanding whitewater and superb scenery. Their respect for Yosemite’s natural splendor infuses their whitewater catalogue. One-day trips meet at the Midpines staging area where guests are outfitted then shuttled to the river put-in for a 16-mile delight hitting such rapids as Gauge Hole (Class III) and Corner Pocket (Class IV).
OARS
Founded by river pioneer and conservationist George Wendt in 1969, OARS continues to be a family-run business offering day trips down the Merced River. The 18-mile run slices through challenging rapids such as Ned’s Gulch (Class IV) and Split Rock (Class IV), stopping for a delistyle lunch (provided) on a sandy beach. The perfect complement to your Yosemite mountain getaway.
Yosemite Valley Rafting
While spring snowmelt can bring some serious flow, Yosemite river rafting during the summer months is typically a calmer — and warmer — experience. Surrounded by the granite grandeur of such massive rocks as El Capitan and Half Dome, not to mention the arcing mist of Bridalveil, Sentinel, and Yosemite Falls, the Merced River follows a meandering path through the flat, wooded majesty of Yosemite Valley.
For self-guided floats, Curry Village Raft Rentals provides life jackets and raft rentals (2-4 people). The 3-mile trip winds through the heart of Yosemite Valley requiring only the ability to paddle and a love for the surrounding nature. The rafting season in the Valley depends on snowmelt and river depth so call ahead. Reservations required. A shuttle bus is available to bring you back to your starting point.