Whitewater Rafting In Yosemite

Whitewater Rafting In Yosemite

Daredevils! If saddle rides and rock climbing aren't thrilling enough for you, prepare yourself for a more heart-pumping adventure - whitewater rafting in Yosemite.

The Merced River is one of the most breath-taking venues of whitewater rafting in Yosemite. It is only about 3 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area. The Merced River offers great one-day and two-day rafting escapades. The start off point for the whitewater rafting in Yosemite is just around a few minutes away from the Yosemite National Park's entrance. Thus, for those who want to experience the adrenaline rush, the Merced River is one place where you can experience Yosemite's waterfalls at their grandeur.

The starting point of the Merced River lies on the south side of Mount Lyell, located within the Yosemite National Park. The river's water runs through Yosemite Valley after splashing over the Vernal and Nevada Falls. The water proceeds towards the Sierra area and passes Highway 140 before flowing through the McClure Reservoir. The foothill canyon in the Sierra area has several rapids which, when the river's flow goes beyond 4000 cfs, make the whitewater huge and powerful.

Whitewater rafting in Yosemite is not only fun when the river flow is at its highest. But high flows, those above 2000 cfs, allow people to raft from Red Bud Campground to Briceburg. This 15.6 mile-run involve two Class IV rapids, namely, the Nightmare Island and Chipped Tooth. The remainder of the run involves Class III rapids. Flows from 1200 to 2000 cfs are the medium flows. Runs on these conditions involve two more Classic IV rapids, specifically, Split Rock and Corner Pocket.

Merced River is not the only one that will give you rafting thrills. Whitewater rafting in Yosemite also means trips along the Tuolumne River. This is actually a Class IV to V rapids that has increasing force. This fine venue boasts of enchanting water patterns that are most rafters' reason for repeat visits. Rafting along Tuolumne River will take you to the gripping Tuolumne Classic as well as the most daring run in North America - the Cherry Creek.

There are numerous whitewater rafting outfitters available on Merced and Tuolumne Rivers. If you wish to sign up for a trip, it would be advisable to search the internet regarding your options. Outfitters do not offer the same trips on whitewater rafting in Yosemite. Also, rafting season is usually crowded, so booking in advance is a good idea.

Some people can't imagine braving the rapids. They'd rather sign up for slow rafting trips or those drift-rafting expeditions which are also offered in the Yosemite National Park. However, with lesser thrill, these trips do cost a lot. And while it sure is safer to raft in very calm waters, it doesn't give you the fulfillment that whitewater rafting in Yosemite can.