Merced River Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Merced River. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose

• Yosemite National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide

• Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias 2-Day Semi-Guided Tour

• San Francisco to Yosemite 1-Way Transfer

• Yosemite Adventure: Full-Day Private Tour from San Francisco

That depends on where you access the river. To visit the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, you’ll need a US$20–US$35 park pass for US residents (it's an additional US$100 for international visitors). Prices vary for guided Merced River tours—rafting excursions start at US$115.

Summer—typically June and July—is the best time for swimming and floating in the Merced River, and this is when local companies begin offering raft rentals. The river is too cold and fast-moving for leisurely water activities before June, though you can book adventurous whitewater-rafting tours as early as April.

For calmer conditions, float down the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, starting in Curry Village and exiting at Sentinel Beach. You’ll float with views of El Capitan, then enjoy a return shuttle trip that’s included with raft rentals. For whitewater rafting, book a tour west of El Portal.

Yes, you can rent rafts from many locations along the Merced. Starting in June or July, you can rent rafts, paddles, and lifejackets from Curry Village in Yosemite National Park—the kiosk is located beside the river. Head there in the morning, as rentals sell out in the busy summer months.

Yes, Yosemite National Park has several picnic areas along the Merced River. Yosemite Valley picnic areas tend to be crowded because they’re near top attractions such as Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point. For a quieter riverside rest stop, head up or downstream toward the Yosemite Creek or Cascades picnic areas.