Rafting and Kayaking

Merced River
Professional rafting and kayaking trips along the Merced River is popular in the late spring and early summer summer. If you’re not looking to brave the white water of the Merced, then maybe renting a raft and having a nice, gentle float through Yosemite Valley is more your speed.

Valley rafting is generally done during middle and late summer you can rent a raft, or bring your own.

Most people put in along the Merced River at Stoneman Bridge (near the former Curry Village) and take out at Sentinel Beach Picnic Area.

This section of river is open to boating and rafting each day when the gage height at Pohono Bridge is below 7 feet at 8 am.

Every person must wear a personal flotation device each day when the gage height at Pohono Bridge is above 4 feet at 8 am. When the river is 4 feet or lower, every person must have a personal flotation device immediately available for each occupant of the raft/boat (and children under age 13 must be wearing one).

You may put in and take out your boat/raft at Stoneman Bridge and Sentinel Beach, but not anywhere between.

South Fork Merced River
Rafting is also allowed on the South Fork of the Merced River below Swinging Bridge (in Wawona). Every person must have a personal flotation device immediately available for each occupant of the raft/boat (and children under age 13 must be wearing one).

Tenaya Lake
Kayaking is a popular way to enjoy the calm waters of Tenaya Lake. Every person must have a personal flotation device immediately available for each occupant of the raft/boat (and children under age 13 must be wearing one).

More experienced boaters with appropriate equipment have additional opportunities along the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers.