Rafting

Rafting at Yosemite

The Rafting Season has started! The length of the Yosemite rafting season changes from year to year and depends on river depth, water temperature and climate. A typical season begins late May and ends in July or early August.

Rentals
Rafts can be rented at the Curry Village® Recreation Center. Rafts hold four adults and are equipped with paddles and the mandatory personal flotation devices. The per person fee covers one three-mile trip down the river, personal floatation devices for each person, two paddles and return trip by shuttle to the Curry Village Recreation Center. Rafts are available on a first-come, first-serviced basis.

Hours
Opens at 10:00 AM. Last raft rented at 4:00 PM, and all raft rentals must be returned by 6:00 PM. Last shuttle returns with the last rental raft.

Adults and Children $30.00 
Please note: Two "capable paddlers" as defined below in the safety checklist are required per raft, including at least one adult per boat, and children under 50 lbs. are not permitted in rental rafts.  We are sorry, but we cannot make any exceptions to these rules.

ADA Rafters
DNC rafting staff will assist special needs visitor at the raft entry point, transport their device or chair to the river exit point, and provide transportation for the return trip in an accessible tram.

Help Protect the Resource
In order to protect riparian (riverbank) resources, we encourage our rafters to disembark on sand or gravel bars. Swimmers should enter and exit the river on sandy beaches.

Please be sure to keep dispose of your trash in the containers provided at the end of your Yosemite Park rafting trip.

Rafting Rules and Safety Checklist

  1. Rafting is not recommended for non-swimmers. Life jackets must be worn at all times in rental rafts.
  2. Children weighing less than 50 pounds are not permitted in rental rafts. Rafting is considered unsafe for small children due to swift and cold water.
  3. Two capable paddlers are required in each boat. A capable paddler is at least 5 feet tall and 12 years old. An adult is required in each boat.
  4. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on rental rafts.
  5. Be cautious and alert! Trees and rocks do exist in the Merced River, creating obstacles requiring your attention. Rafts may not be tied together.
  6. Do not take valuables unless properly secured and waterproofed. Lockers are available for personal items.
  7. Purchase price includes raft, paddles, life jackets, and shuttle ride. Shuttles return every 30 – 40 minutes. The last shuttle departs at 6:00 pm.
  8. Only paid persons may ride in rental boats.
  9. Do not enter roped off areas on river banks, or put out on them. Please respect these sensitive areas.

Please be Alert and Cautious During Your Trip
Have Fun and Enjoy Yosemite

Personal Rafting Information

If you would like to use your own raft on the river, you may do so from 10 am - 6 pm. We will give you a ride back on the bus at the end of the line for $4.50 per person, payable at the raft stand (keep your receipt) or payable to the bus driver (in cash). You may bring your deflated inner tube or raft with you back on the bus as long as it fits on your lap. For your convenience, we also rent life jackets and paddles for $5.50 each.  Rentals are good only for one use down the river.