Rafting in Yosemite National Park

Experience California's Natural Wonders From a River Raft

Nov 6, 2008 Holly McGurgan

Rafting in North America's Yosemite National Park provides visitors with a new way to experience the park's natural attractions without the distraction of crowds.

Central California’s Yosemite National Park offers summer rafting on the Merced River. Rafts are available for rental at the park’s Curry Village Campground from mid-May to sometime in July when the river becomes too shallow for rafting. While there are rocks and branches to avoid, the portion of the Merced River used for rafting is fairly tranquil, with no strong current or boulders. The length of the rafting season is determined by river depth, water temperature and climate.

Renting a Raft

Rentals include a heavy duty inflatable raft, two paddles and life jackets for all passengers. Rafts can hold from four to six adults, although six adults may be more comfortable renting two rafts. Children can also raft, as long as they weigh at least 50 pounds.

After a short orientation, rafters carry their rafts to a put in point at the Stoneman Bridge. Yosemite staff members help rafters position their rafts in the river and then they're on their own, free to float or paddle down the river as they wish. Rafters can take as long as they want to navigate the three mile course, provided they finish the course before the end of rafting hours. There are numerous sandy beaches along the way that entice rafters to stop and rest for a while before continuing on down the river.

Navigating the River

The Merced River ranges in depth from a few inches to eight or nine feet in depth. Because rafts may need to be carried over the shallow areas of the river, all rafters should be strong enough to help carry the raft. Equally distributing the weight in the raft will help in traveling over the shallow areas without running aground. Wearing a life jacket at all times is a good idea because of the rapid changes in the depth of the river. If adults choose not to wear their life jackets, they must have them immediately available, according to park regulations.

Although the river is tranquil, rafters do need to paddle at various points to avoid stones, branches and bridge supports. The current may push the raft toward the bank when the river goes around bends, forcing rafters to paddle hard to keep the raft centered in the river. Overhanging branches can knock rafters from the raft if it gets too close to shore, as can a hard bump against a bridge support.

Great Views from the Raft

The river provides some of the Yosemite Valley’s best views of the sheer granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. Rafters will want to bring a waterproof camera to capture these sights. Yosemite, one of North America’s most popular national parks, can be crowded in the summer. While some stretches of the river do pass by campgrounds and busy areas, others are more isolated, bordered only by trees and brush. Rafting through these isolated areas gives visitors a glimpse of what Yosemite was like before it became a national park.

When rafters reach the end of the course, a shuttle bus takes them back to Curry Village, where a cold drink or snack at the food court may sound like a very good idea.

For further information about Yosemite National Park rafting, visit the Park's website.

The copyright of the article Rafting in Yosemite National Park in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Holly McGurgan. Permission to republish Rafting in Yosemite National Park in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The Merced River

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