The Merced river tumbles and twists out of Yosemite Valley, gradually mellowing into a runnable whitewater river just below the town of El Portal. It is here that our trips begin. Indeed, the Merced river offers one of the best whitewater rafting paddle-boat trips in California. Our normal 1/2 day trip is run from 8:30 to about 12:30, but with a large group, we can also run an afternoon 1/2 day trip on request.
This trip covers about 11 miles and does not include lunch. We raft from Indian Flat to Briceburg. 1/2 day trips are nice, but miss the last very scenic and exciting 5 miles of river between Briceburg and Railroad Flat, including Split Rock, Corner Pocket, and the wave trains above these 2 rapids. So if you are debating between the 1/2 or full day trip, definitely choose the full day.
1/2 day trips during low water: the best summer family rafting trip near ( 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley) Yosemite. When all other sections of the Merced river are too low to run (usually in early to mid July), this 5.5 mile section of river is a lot of fun, and allows us to squeeze out about 10 more days of rafting.
The water is warmer, the air temperature is hot, and the lower water rapids are fun, technical, and the canyon is narrow and intimate. We stop for snacks (which we provide) at a great beach/diving rock area for some great water play, swimming, jumping off the jumping rocks,etc. During calm sections, you can float downriver (with your lifejacket on of course).
Because of the slower pace and fun water play activities associated with this trip, we have had clients say that this trip was more fun in a lot of ways than our higher water trips. We usually can accommodate kids down to 8 years old.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Minimum deposit: $50.00
Price includes no meals.
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Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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