Floating the Merced River in Yosemite Valley
In 2014, Yosemite National Park released its Final Merced Wild and Scenic Comprehensive River Management Plan, bringing paddling on the Merced River on equal footing with hiking, climbing and other activities. River segments are considered to be “water trails,” akin to other backcountry routes. Depending on the reach, boaters will be required to secure a backcountry permit or self-register before putting on the river. For the Merced in Yosemite Valley, currently, Yosemite National Park does not require permits for private boaters to paddle or row the recreational sections of the Merced River. However, they will monitor use and associated impacts and may, at a later date, implement a more formal permit system.
It is important for paddlers, and any other visitors to Yosemite Valley, to recognize that this Park receives over 4 million visitors per year. Any impact from an individual, no matter how small, can become significant when multiplied by the number of visitors that come to Yosemite Valley. As on every river, paddlers are responsible for protecting and respecting the natural environment within the Park, and can set a good example of how to recreate on the river and, more generally, throughout the Park.
Aside from the obvious recommendation to exhibit good safe boating practices while on the river, paddlers should also adhere to the following rules and recommendations when paddling through Yosemite Valley:
Use only designated put in and take out areas. Currently these areas include, Clarks Bridge, the El Cap cross over Bridge, and between Pohono Bridge and the Highway 120/ 140 Junction.
If you stop on the river, only use un-vegetated bars and beaches.
Large woody debris (trees) in the river will remain in place as part of the natural ecosystem. If you need to portage, do so in a manner that minimizes any bank erosion.
Restrooms within walking distance of the river are located at Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Beach and Cathedral Beach (The last two are only opened seasonally). Please note where the accessible restroom facilities are before you embark on your trip.
Floating on the Merced River is one the nicest ways to view Yosemite Valley. A slow float trip allows one to stare at the cliffs and waterfalls for long periods and appreciate the more subtle aspects. The roads are far enough away that the traffic noise is much reduced; even absent in spots. The river is wide enough and trees are far enough back to allow wonderful views of the valley walls. Experienced boaters will tend to prefer spring floats in order to view the waterfalls at their peaks and to avoid the summer crowds. Floating is legal as long as there is enough space for floaters to pass underneath the Sentinel Bridge (Flow on the Pohono Gauge 7.5 feet on the Sentinel Bridge ).
While most of the float through Yosemite is flatwater, there are sections of swiftwater, especially in the upper and lower sections of the Valley.
Equipment: Craft are required to be in good condition and designed to handle the class of whitewater on a reach. Rafts for reaches with Class II or higher whitewater must be high performance multi-chamber craft or high performance single-chamber pack rafts designed for whitewater. The number of people in any vessel would not be allowed to exceed the manufacturer’s stated capacity.
Each boater must have a serviceable, US Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) Type I, III, or V. These PFDs must be maintained in good condition in compliance with the USCG standards and must be worn and fastened properly at all times while on the river. All PFDs must have a USCG approved label stating the PFD is designed for whitewater rafting, canoeing, sailing, paddling and/or kayaking. General boating or ski vests are prohibited.
Put in: The recommended put in is at Clark’s Bridge, near the Upper and Lower Pines Campground. The preferred launch is from a beach on the river left, adjacent to the RV dump station, which is upstream of the bridge. This area is for unloading only. Please find area that will not block traffic those wishing to use the dump station. After unloading, it is best to park your vehicle in one of the parking areas near Curry Village.
Take out option 1: For those not wishing to run the Class III / IV section down to Pohono Bridge, takeout will be on the east end of El Cap Meadow, where the bridge crosses the Merced. The best take out location is upstream of the left bridge abutment. There is considerable parking along El Cap Meadow and on the south side of the bridge near the bear boxes. To reach this takeout, take the left hand turn past Pohono Bridge, where the sign points to Highway 41, 120 and 140. Just past the bridge at the west end of El Cap Meadow, the road becomes one way. You may need to loop back down to the west end of the Valley after dropping your shuttle vehicle. In the late spring, there is a shuttle bus that can pick you up here and take you back to Curry Village.
Directions:As you enter the Valley from Mariposa or Groveland, drop a shuttle vehicle near El Capitan Bridge (see take-out options above). Take a left back on the main road and follow the signs to Yosemite Valley destinations. Follow signs to Curry Village past the Highway 41 junction. Continue past Curry Village and take a left at the next stop sign. Follow signs to Upper and Lower Pines Campground, before you cross the bridge turn into the Upper Pines Campground, the dump station will be on your left. Remember that this area is for unloading only.
Parking:There is parking available across from Curry Village, and in the main Village parking area. You will have a ten minute walk back to the put-in.
Hazards: Logs and strainers are common along the length of this reach. They will change position from year to year during the high flow season. At times logs may completely block the channel. Logs and woody debris play an important part in the river ecosystem and the park service will not manage logs or allow boaters to remove logs. The river will move them on its own from year to year, so be prepared to portage logs that block the river. Water temperature will be cold all year long, and in the spring it will be ice cold.
Clark Bridge to El Cap Meadow
The river from the Clark Bridge to El Cap meadow is Class I and II, with most of the swifter water towards the top of the run. This section of the river has more development than in the west end of the valley. That being said, spectacular views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and other Valley landmarks can be seen from the river.