Merced River in Yosemite Valley

Note in 2007: The National Park website for floating the Merced River in Yosemite Valley says you can boat only from Stoneman Bridge to the Sentinel Beach Picnic area, not from Pines Bridge to El Capitan Bridge. This regulation, if enforced, would make the float much shorter, seemingly around 3 miles.

The Merced river thru Yosemite Valley is one of the most beautiful floats in the world, with glimpses of Half Dome near the beginning and intimate views of El Capitan near the end. The paddling is not difficult, but you might get a sore neck from looking up at the scenery. The trip usually goes quickly because of fast current, although things slow down near the end.

Camping in Yosemite Valley requires reservations well in advance, but primitive camping is available on river right below Red Bud, across the river from highway 140, at no charge. Yosemite management plans call for the elimination of private cars from the valley. Hopefully shuttle bus service will continue to support this run.

mile

0

Put in just below Pines Bridge on river right. A sandy area with scattered trees slopes down to the river. Fast water begins immediately.

Pines Bridge and put-in near stables

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Tenaya Creek comes in on the right. A pedestrian bridge soon crosses the river at mile .5 and again at mile .7 near the Ahwahnee Hotel.

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River passes under bridge where one-way road crosses from southside to northside. Current slows down a little.

View of Half Dome upriver

2.3

River passes under bridge where side road connects Yosemite Village headquarters with southside. A concessionaire rents rafts nearby.

2.6

Slots (class II-) underneath a pedestrian bridge provides a bit of maneuvering practice. Try to avoid hitting your boat on rocks.

Trees obscure Yosemite Falls

2.8

Yosemite Creek comes in on the right, and the current slows down. River enters a series of meanders with few rapids.

3.3

Another pedestrian bridge, the last before take-out. The river enters a series of meanders and goes around islands.

Placid section above take-out

5.8

Parking lot on right bank where people come to view El Capitan.

6.5

River comes close to embankment for northside one-way road. Down trees in river.

7

Take out underneath El Capitan Bridge, which is easiest on the left bank. Below, the rapids soon become class III-IV, then V-VI as the river spills out of Yosemite Valley beyond the dam at the Arch Rock entrance station.

To reach take-out, pay your park entrance fee and proceed on the southside one-way road past Bridalveil Falls. After views of El Capitan, take the next left and park one vehicle near the Depression-era stone bridge across the river. If you have only one vehicle, it is possible to catch the shuttle bus by returning to the southside one-way road (leave your vehicle at take-out because you might be cold at the end of your trip).

To reach put-in, return to the southside one-way road and drive to the 4-way stop sign near Curry Village. Go straight thru the intersection, curving right thru the woods. Turn left towards the stables and cross Pines Bridge. If you get an early start, parking is usually available near the stables.

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