Merced River

THE RAPIDS:
Exciting Class IV Roller Coaster Waves

The Merced is the closest a river can come to being like an amusement park ride. Rolling waves and speedy currents characterize its rapids. There are very few rocks to avoid, just large hydraulics. Normally on 1-Day trips, we raft a 16-mile section of the upper Merced. This lively section starts off fast for the first six miles, slows down in the middle section, and speeds up again in the final miles. You'll find your time is spent laughing as you sail over waves that are almost cartoon-like in their height. This is definitely a favorite run of many whitewater enthusiasts.

THE RIVER SCENERY:
Clear waters flow through an open and grassy canyon

Protected by the federal government as a National Wild and Scenic River, the Merced has its headwaters in the heart of Yosemite. With such magical beginnings, it's no wonder the Merced is such a beauty. The river's broad, sweeping canyon is home to oak and pine trees and majestic grassy hills. In the spring, golden poppies, purple lupine and fragrant wild irises explode in color on the green hillsides. Near the river, a roadway follows the canyon line. At times during your trip, you'll hear the cheers of onlookers who have stopped to watch our raft navigate the clear blue waters.

LOCATION:
3.5 hours from San Francisco, 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley

Just ten minutes from Mariposa, a Merced River trip makes for an easy side trip when visiting Yosemite National Park. Traveling from Sacramento, it's a 150-mile trip. Nearby highways include Highway 140, 120, and 49. Explore other Yosemite whitewater rafting trip options.

TYPICAL RAFTING SEASON:
April - June *

The Merced is a free-flowing river. This means there are no upstream dams controlling its flow. So when the snow in the mountains begins to melt, the Merced begins to flow. Flows usually peak between mid-May and early June, and should become too low for rafting by early July.

* Season length and flows may vary. For this year's flow predictions and real-time water levels go to the River Flows page.

MEALS:
Freshly prepared riverside feasts

We provide a gourmet "build-your-own" sandwich lunch that includes all the fixings you’ll need to assemble the perfect sandwich along with kettle style potato chips, dried fruit, and chocolate. Enjoy your relaxing, riverside meal before heading back out on the water for more adventure.

If you have special dietary requirements, we encourage you to tell us at the time of your reservation so we can discuss options.

GUEST INVOLVEMENT:
How You Participate in Rafting the River

All-Outdoors usually runs paddle-rafts on the Merced River. In a paddle-raft, each guest and a professional guide have a paddle and navigate the river, working as a coordinated team. Merced trips are highly participatory so guests need to be ready and willing to paddle. In times of extreme high water, we may elect to use oar-paddle combination rafts (a professional guide steers the boat with oars while simultaneously calling commands to paddlers in the boat). All guests should be able to swim.