Yosemite Whitewater Rafting

A comparison of three California rivers closest to Yosemite National Park

Merced River

Location:

35 miles west of Yosemite Valley off Hwy 140

Level of Difficulty

Intermediate Class III-IV

Trip Options

1-Day Trips (April - July)

Usual Minimum Age

12 years old

More About the Merced

The Merced River flows through the Park in cascading waterfalls before gathering strength to create memorable roller-coaster-like Class III-IV rapids downstream.

Complete Merced River Rafting Details

Tuolumne River

Location:

40 miles west of Yosemite Valley off Hwy 120

Level of Difficulty

Intermediate - Advanced Class IV+

Trip Options

1-Day, 2-Day and 3-Day Trips (April - September)

Usual Minimum Age

Summer: 13 years old, Spring: 15 years old

More about the Tuolumne

The Tuolumne River showcases what's best about rafting near Yosemite Valley: a beautiful Sierra Foothill canyon and challenging Class IV+ whitewater.

Complete Tuolumne River Rafting Details

Cherry Creek

Location:

40 miles west of Yosemite Valley off Hwy 120

Level of Difficulty

Advanced Class V

Trip Options

1-Day Trips, Multiday Combos (July - September)

Usual Minimum Age

17 years old

More about Cherry Creek

Class V rafting right outside Yosemite National Park - many say that no other commercial river trip in the United States is more challenging than Cherry Creek.

Complete Cherry Creek Rafting Details

Also see:

If you need help deciding which Yosemite whitewater rafting trip is most appropriate for you or your group, don't hesitate to contact us at (800) 247-2387.

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