Recreational Values
The Merced River below El Portal holds bountiful and sought-after whitewater rafting opportunities. Photo by Zachary Collier, Flickr
The Merced River provides for exceptional river-related recreational opportunities, and the dramatic and picturesque setting is central to these recreational experiences. Settings range from the undeveloped wilderness of the Upper Merced to Yosemite Valley’s views of high granite cliffs and towering waterfalls, to the rapids of foothill elevation canyons. Many first time-visitors are awe-inspired by the rivers’ natural wonders and form their first connection to wildness. Others return year after year, building long-lasting relationships and attachments to the river and its watershed. For all visitors, the Merced River is a place to be welcomed and experience a Wild and Scenic River…forever protected for future generations.
Yosemite National Park
Visitors to this federally designated wilderness in the corridor engage in a variety of activities in an iconic High Sierra landscape, where opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation, self-reliance, and solitude shape the experience.
Wild segments of the Merced River flow from the heart of the Sierra Nevada through its towering granite peaks and impressive forests. These spectacular, rugged river landscapes provide opportunities for solitude and immersion in nature, personal reflection, independence, and self-reliance. Activities are oriented toward primitive camping and wilderness travel, exploration, and adventure.Of the many recreational activities, a few are particularly distinctive. Spectacular cascades vary by season along this river segment. In spring, hikers and backpackers experience the sight, sound, and power of the river’s crashing waters. In drier months, the cascading waters become beautiful, delicate plumes. Backpacking on a major segment of the John Muir Trail affords visitors a multi-day Sierra Nevada wilderness trip that is internationally renowned for gorgeous riverside views, undeveloped settings, opportunities for solitude, and wilderness camping near the river.
Visitors to Yosemite Valley enjoy a wide variety of river-related recreational activities in the valley’s extraordinary setting along the Merced River.
Every year, millions of visitors from around the world come to Yosemite Valley to recreate in and along the Merced River. Well-known and iconic features such as El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome provide a dramatic backdrop that shapes the recreational experiences of first-time and return visitors alike. Yosemite National Park affords a wide variety of activities in and along the river, several of which are river-related or dependent and rare, unique or exemplary. These include primary river recreational activities such as swimming, paddling and water play, along with secondary river recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking or camping in proximity to the river.
Visitors can choose time frames and seasons that suit their desired activities, ranging from short day trips to multi-day opportunities. Appropriate infrastructure and services facilitate these river-related activities but do not dominate the landscape or interfere with the natural setting.
Overall, the Yosemite Valley River Segment offers a variety of outstanding opportunities for frontcountry river recreation for people of all ages and abilities. The Merced River in this segment allows people to immerse themselves in their surroundings, taking in the sights, sounds, and feel of the river and its dramatic backdrop.
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Outstanding white water rafting, camping and hiking account for the outstandingly remarkable value for recreation.
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The high level of use and accessibility of the river for off-highway vehicle, fishing, and nature study provided the outstandingly remarkable value for recreation.
Recreating responsibly and respectfully is essential to the health and longevity of the Merced River.
