Intermediate - Advanced
Tuolumne River
- Adventure-Seekers 12+ years
- Fast-Paced Intricate Whitewater | Class IV+
- 1 hour from Yosemite Valley
- Available April - Labor Day
Yosemite Whitewater Rafting
A comparison of three California rivers closest to Yosemite National Park
Intermediate
Merced River
- Adventure-Seekers 12+ years
- Exciting Lively Whitewater | Class III-IV
- 1 hour from Yosemite Valley
- Available Spring Only
Book Online 24/7
1-Day Trip with lunch
$219 - $239
Advanced
Cherry Creek (Upper Tuolumne)
- Very Adventurous Thrill-Seekers 17+
- Most Challenging Whitewater | Class V
- Combine with the Tuolumne for the ultimate 27-mile adventure
- 1 hour from Yosemite Valley
- Typically Available June - Labor Day
Book Online 24/7
1-Day with lunch
$454
2-Day Combo with camping and meals
$1064
3-Day Combo with camping and meals
$1324
The Best Rafting Trips near Yosemite
Tuolumne River
Cherry Creek
Merced River
Goodwin Canyon
North Fork Stanislaus
Tuolumne River
The Tuolumne River is a favorite for adventurous go-getters seeking a true wilderness experience, combining exciting whitewater with one of California’s most scenic river canyons. Multi-day trips are especially popular here, with riverside camping and a remote setting deep in the Sierra foothills near Yosemite National Park.
Known for exciting Class IV rapids, the 18-mile Tuolumne blends high-adrenaline whitewater with quiet canyon moments making it one of California’s premier wilderness rafting rivers.
Cherry Creek (Upper Tuolumne)
Experienced paddlers looking for one of the most challenging commercial rafting trips in the country will find it on Cherry Creek. Steep gradients and nearly continuous whitewater make this a serious adventure best suited for strong, athletic participants.
California’s top Class V rafting run, Cherry Creek features powerful rapids, narrow channels, and precise lines through a dramatic granite canyon. Every section demands focus and teamwork, delivering an intense day on the water for those ready for the challenge.
Merced River
The Merced River is a classic springtime rafting trip featuring lively whitewater on the doorstep of majestic Yosemite National Park. Its convenient location and energetic rapids make it a popular choice for adventurous first-timers and returning rafters alike during the early-season months.
Fun and continuous Class III–IV rapids keep groups actively paddling through a scenic Sierra foothill canyon. Fast-moving current and splashy wave trains create an exciting pace that makes this seasonal rafting trip a longtime favorite.
Goodwin Canyon
Goodwin Canyon offers a unique fall rafting experience through a steep-walled volcanic gorge on the lower Stanislaus River. Its short October season, double-run format, and fast-paced whitewater make it a favorite for adventurous go-getters looking for something different from California’s more well-known rafting rivers.
Featuring two Class IV+ rapids and numerous smaller ones, Goodwin Canyon combines memorable drops with lush scenery rarely seen on other California rivers.
North Fork Stanislaus
The North Fork Stanislaus is a fast-paced spring rafting trip featuring steep, technical Class IV+ whitewater through a narrow mountain canyon. It’s a favorite for adventurous paddlers looking for an active and challenging day on the river.
Starting at over 4,000 feet in elevation in the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, this rafting trip winds through pine forest and granite-lined channels that give the North Stan a distinctly alpine feel. A limited spring season adds to the appeal of one of California’s more unique rafting runs.