How to Take a Raft Trip at Yosemite National Park
Rafting on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park is a great way to see the park’s stunning vistas and wildlife. The river provides some of the best Yosemite Valley views of both Half Dome and El Capitan. Rafting is conducted in the spring and summer on a relatively mild section of the Merced River, allowing visitors to choose to either float or paddle down the three-mile course.
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Instructions
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Find out if raft rentals are running during your trip. This information is available on the Yosemite National Park and in Yosemite Today, the free newspaper given to all guests. Raft season usually beings in late May and runs through July. When the water level in the river gets too low, rafting is halted for the season. Rafting is only allowed when the water at the Sentinel Bridge is lower than 6 ½ feet.
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Take an internal Yosemite shuttle bus or drive to Curry Village. Rafts are rented at the Curry Village Recreation Center. Four to six adults can fit in each raft. Raft rentals include life jackets for all rafters and two paddles. Rafters must weigh at least fifty pounds. Before you begin your trip, you will attend a short orientation session.
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Carry your raft to the origination point at Stoneman Bridge. Make sure all rafters are capable of carrying the raft as you may need to carry the raft over shallow spots in the river. Place the raft in the river and get in. Try to balance the weight in your raft. It will make it easier to get past low spots. A park employee may be available to help you board your raft. You must either wear your life jacket or have it immediately available.
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Pay attention to obstacles in the water. There are numerous rocks, partially submerged trees, bridge supports and overhanging branches you will need to avoid. While this part of the Merced River is milder, there still is a current, which you will definitely notice when you go past a bend in the river. The current will try to push you toward the banks at bends and you will need to paddle to stay in the middle of the river.
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Pull your raft to the beach at the end of the course. There is a small sign on the right river bank alerting you that you have reached the end of the course. If you don’t see the sign, you will see the buoys preventing you from traveling farther down the river. Pull your raft up the path. A truck and bus may be waiting. If you don’t see the truck and bus, they will return soon. Place your raft in the truck and place your paddles in the bin provided. Your life jacket serves as your ticket for the return trip to Curry Village.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring a waterproof camera and ask non-paddlers to take photographs.
There are numerous sandy beaches along the way that are great for picnicking or cooling off on a hot day. Be sure to bring along sunscreen and bottled water for rafters.
If you aren’t able to avoid overhanging branches, try to duck to get under them. If you put your hand out to try to push away from the branches, you may be knocked off the raft.
Resources
- Photo Credit H. McGurgan
