> Merced River Rafting Trips

RIVER & TRIP OPTIONS VIRTUAL RIVER TOURS MAPS & TRAVEL DETAILS PRICING TRIP OPTIONS:   1-DAY TRIPS

A long whitewater roller coaster ride near Yosemite. Season runs April - mid-July. more Difficulty & Scenery Intermediate Class IV Huge, tall waves Rugged Sierra foothills near Hwy 140 Who Should Go Adventurous novice & veteran People wanting easy Class IV Usual min. age: 12 Trips Include Pro guide & instruction Equipment & shuttle Fresh, delicious meals Location Select a Merced River Rafting Trip Option 1-Day Trips start at $144 2-Day trips are available by combining two consecutive 1-Day trips. The second day is discounted. Contact our office for details.

MORE ABOUT THE MERCED RIVER:

THE RAPIDS: Exciting Class IV waves will make you yell with excitement

The Merced is the closest a river can come to being like an amusement park ride. Rolling waves and speedy currents characterize its rapids. There are very few rocks to avoid, just large hydraulics. Normally on 1-Day trips, we raft a 16-mile section of the upper Merced.  This lively section starts off fast for the first six miles, slows down in the middle section, and speeds up again in the final miles.  You'll find your time is spent laughing as you sail over waves that are almost cartoon-like in their height.  This is definitely a favorite run of many whitewater enthusiasts.

On 1-Day trips, we raft a 16-mile section of the upper Merced . On 2-Day trips, the first day is spent rafting on this same section. We then camp in a wilderness area alongside the river. On the second day, we usually return to the upper section, and may add the challenging Red Bud run if conditions are appropriate. If water levels are lower, we may float downstream from camp on the second day through Quarter Mile Rapid, a seven-part Class IV thriller. Either way, the final day on a 2-Day Merced trip is always a bold and vivacious conclusion to a great adventure.

USUAL MINIMUM AGE: 12 years of age

THE RIVER SCENERY: Clear waters flow through an open and grassy canyon

Protected by the federal government as a National Wild and Scenic River, the Merced has its headwaters in the heart of Yosemite. With such magical beginnings, it's no wonder the Merced is such a beauty. The river's broad, sweeping canyon is home to oak and pine trees and majestic grassy hills. In the spring, golden poppies, purple lupine and fragrant wild irises explode in color on the green hillsides. Near the river, a roadway follows the canyon line. At times during your trip, you'll hear the cheers of onlookers who have stopped to watch our raft navigate the clear blue waters.

RIVER LOCATION: 3.5 hours from San Francisco, 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley

Just ten minutes from Mariposa, a Merced River trip makes for an easy side trip when visiting Yosemite National Park. Traveling from Sacramento, it's a 150-mile trip. Nearby highways include Highway 140, 120, and 49.

THE RAFTING SEASON: April - mid-July

The Merced is a free-flowing river. This means there are no upstream dams controlling its flow. So when the snow in the mountains begins to melt, the Merced begins to flow. Flows usually peak around early-June, and should become too low for rafting by mid-July.

MEALS: Freshly prepared riverside feasts

Our gourmet "build-your-own" sandwich bar includes all the fixings needed to assemble the perfect deli sandwich. We also serve juice and hors d'oeuvres of tortilla chips, salsa, and juicy summer fruits. We finish it off with a delicious dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth.

If you have special dietary requirements, we encourage you to tell us at the time of your reservation. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs.

GUEST INVOLVEMENT: How You Participate in Getting Down the River

All-Outdoors usually runs paddle-rafts on the Merced River. In a paddle-raft, each guest and a professional guide have a paddle and navigate the river, working as a coordinated team. Merced trips are highly participatory so guests need to be ready and willing to paddle. In times of extreme high water, we may elect to use oar-paddle combination rafts (a professional guide steers the boat with oars while simultaneously calling commands to paddlers in the boat). All guests should be able to swim.

GROUP TRIPS: We Can Accommodate Groups as Large as 50 People

One of our specialties is creating fun and memorable whitewater rafting trips for small and large groups.

What Type of Group Trip are You Looking For?

• I'm planning an offsite corporate outing!
• I'm planning a bachelor party!
• I'm looking for bachelorette party ideas!
• I'm organizing a family reunion!
• I'm putting together a birthday party trip!
• I'm organizing and planning a class reunion!

Our reservation specialists can help you through every step of the planning process. We even provide you with free materials to promote your trip and communicate details to your group members. To learn more about our group-specific discount plans and packages, and organizational tools, visit our groups page.

THE NEXT STEP: Explore 1-Day Option or Begin the Booking Process

To learn more about our Merced River rafting trips, explore our 1-Day trip options. If you want to start booking your trip now, you can call our office at (800)247-2387 during business hours or check for available space online .