The closest rafting to Mammoth Lakes is approx 2.5 hrs away, with various choices close to South Lake Tahoe and around Yosemite. For even more options, consider rafting in the Gold Country. Trips are available from May thru September (rivers vary) for great rafting all summer long!

See below for details and the times for rafting near the Mammoth Lakes area. The area information page for each of the rivers provides links to visitor information for accommodations, camping, mountain biking, hiking, boating, restaurants and other places of interest. You can also access these area information resource pages through the site map.

Rafting near Lake Tahoe:

The East Fork Carson River is located 2.5 hrs hours north of Mammoth Lakes (1 hr. south of South Lake Tahoe)..

The East Fork Carson River is great for beginners, families with young kids, as well as those looking for some relaxation at the local hot springs. The flow of the East Fork Carson is dependant on the snow pack as not dam controlled, so season varies, but generally runs from May into June (or July in a big snow pack year). There is a very short season 1/2 day Class 3 trip offered on occasions, but primarily, the East Carson River is a wilderness 21 mile trip offered in 1 or 2 days. The wilderness trip visits riverside hot springs for lunch or overnight. See Family Specials for 2 day trips with great discounts for kids.

The Truckee River is located near the town of Truckee, so 3.75 hrs from Mammoth Lakes and 1.25 hrs north of South Lake Tahoe.

The Truckee River is a popular beginner ½ day Class 3 trip suitable for kids as young as 7 years and available from mid-May through the end of September. rafting experience). Great for groups, family reunions, and those on a tight schedule. Space is very limited and always busy especially around July 4th, so be sure to book well in advance.

Rafting near Yosemite:

The Merced (spring only), and Tuolumne (challenging class 4 rapids) are both located on the west side of the Sierra Nevada mountains near Yosemite. They are not always accessible via Tioga Rd/CA-120 (which opens anytime May-July depending on snow melt). When the road is open, time for travel is approx 2.5 hrs, otherwise 3.5 hrs or more. We do not operate on either river but will be glad to offer referrals.

Rafting in the Gold Country:

Rafting trips on the American River are offered April through September, but are approx. 4+ hrs from Mammoth Lakes in the Gold Country. You could consider a trip to Lake Tahoe and then head west towards Sacramento, or go to Yosemite, and head north on the Hwy 49 for a picturesque trip north through the Gold Country.

The South Fork of the American River runs for over 21 miles through the beautiful gold and green foothills of the Sierra Nevada and serves as an introduction for many beginners and young kids. The South Fork of the American River is an hour east of Sacramento close to Placerville or Auburn, in the Gold Country. Rafting trip options start from just a couple of hours to multi-day camp outs where all meals are provided. The South Fork American River provides some of the most reliable rafting in California, still running at full flows even into September, when other options have dried up. Combine with a class 4 trip on the Middle Fork American or North Fork American River (spring only) for even longer trips.

Rafting near Southern California.

Plan on 4+ hours to access the Kern River east of Bakersfield, or 5 hrs to to the Kaweah River on the west side of Sequoia National Park.