It is about an hour and a half from Yosemite Valley and around 11 miles east of Mariposa, California. One spot on the Merced River to try rafting is with Sierra Mac River Trips. As a guide, kids as young as seven may be able to participate.įor more information on tours at Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions click here. Older kids can join, however, it is not considered kid-friendly as there are age restrictions depending on water levels. There are several tours to choose from including a full day, morning half-day and also an afternoon half day of rafting in Yosemite.Īll of the tours include wetsuits, helmets and life jackets. Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions is one of the oldest and most popular places. Many of the tours leave from El Portal or close by. Just over an hour from the Valley are plenty of places to hop on a raft and head out on an adventure on the Merced River. This makes it great for some white water rafting. Rafting in Yosemite White Water Rafting YosemiteĪs the Merced River leaves the Valley, the rapids start to increase. If visitors are travelling to Yosemite with kids, note that this activity is not suitable for small children. All kids under the age of 13 must wear one at all times. These must always be nearby but worn if the gauge height at Pohono Bridge is above 4 feet at 8 am. If the level is below 7 feet at 8 am then the river is open.Īnother point to remember is always have a personal flotation device. The gauge height is taken at Pohono Bridge every day and it dictates whether or not the river will be open for boating. Before putting in your raft, there are a few things to remember.įirst, all rafts must be put in at Stoneman Bridge and taken out at Sentinel Beach, as it is not possible to do this anywhere in between. To avoid this bring your own raft and then there are no reservations needed. Due to this and the demand, many visitors can be disappointed. It is possible to rent a raft at Curry Village right by the river.Īt the moment it is not possible to reserve a raft online or over the phone. One of the most popular places to raft is in Yosemite Valley. The Merced River is also a great choice for those that want to combine rafting with their trip to Yosemite. If they want to test the waters then the Merced River is the better choice. This is the river guests should head for if they have a bit of experience under their belt. The Tulhome River is Class IV all season. That being said, this information is just a guide as it all depends on the amount of snowfall and the weather. The classes decrease as the snowmelt decreases. To give a better idea of the kind of rapids to expect, the Merced River is Class III-IV. There are still a few rapids in July, but as it gets closer to fall the rivers start to calm down. As the months go on the rapids start to decrease. When the snow melts at the start of the season, the rivers run fast and the rapids are high. Just like the waterfalls when the snow melts at the end of winter, the rivers are flowing. This is because rapids are caused by the snowfall melting. It is not possible to go rafting in Yosemite all year round, the best time is in April May June and July. This guide runs through the best places to raft, what to pack, the best time to visit and whether they are kid-friendly. In fact, rafting in Yosemite should be added to everyone’s itinerary even if it is for 3 days. These rivers produce amazing memories that will last a lifetime. The Merced River on the other hand has an easier river grade with small rapids that can be navigated by anyone who has not rafted before. The Tuolumne River flows through scenic meadows, waterfalls, steep granite cliffs and offers panoramic views of Half Dome, Cathedral Peak and Cloud’s Rest. In fact, there are plenty of hotels and RV parks nearby. They are both in stunning locations with rapids that are perfect for anyone adventurous and many visitors choose to stay nearby. The most popular rivers are the Tuolumne River and the Merced River. It’s easy to find the right trip or tour to suit each visitor even if it is only for one day. Rafting in Yosemite can be arranged through many different companies or even on your own. In fact, it is fun and exciting for all types of people. Rafting in Yosemite is a great experience for any age, background, or fitness level. While most visitors to Yosemite come to see the stunning waterfalls or take photos of the breathtaking views on one of Yosemite’s many hiking trails, there is still an array of other experiences that many may not be aware of! However, there are plenty of places to try it out for people of all levels. Rafting in Yosemite may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a visit.
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