Whitewater rafting near Yosemite National Park offers excitement and natural splendor. The East Fork Carson, American River, and Kaweah offer something for everyone, from mellow rapids suited for kids from 4 years old, to some of the toughest class 5 whitewater found. Trips are available from May thru September (rivers vary) for great rafting all summer long!

See below for the location of trips in the Yosemite area:

Rafting near Markleeville:

The East Fork Carson River is great for beginners, families with young kids, as well as those just looking to relax at the Grover Hot Springs. The flow of the East Fork Carson begins in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and travels into the high Nevada desert so this river has an early season running from May to June (or July depending on snow-pack). The beauty of this trip brings boaters of all ages and skills coming back year after year. Located 2-3 hours north of Yosemite, there are 2 East Carson River trips offered; a ½ day class 3 trip, or 2 day class 2 trip with camping right by the hot springs. Family Specials are also available with discounts for kids.

Rafting near Placerville:

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. 3-4 hours from Yosemite, the South Fork of the American River is accessible from Placerville, 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 (25 mins north) or North Fork American (45 mins east, spring only) for even longer trips. The American River has rafting trips suitable for all levels and ages.

Rafting near Three Rivers:

The Kaweah River offers class 4+ excitement and is 3-4 hours south of Yosemite meeting in Three Rivers. The 9 mile stretch of river can be run in 1 day, but 2 days are also available for a double run. The Kaweah is one of Americas steepest rivers and flows naturally from Sequoia National Park, trips are run May-July. This rafting trip is not a novice run, for beginner rafting trips we suggest the Gold Country (American River and more) or Mt. Shasta regions.

Planning a rafting trip near Yosemite:

The possibilities for adventure are endless with whitewater rafting trips and Yosemite National Park. 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.

Consider a Yosemite rafting trip for the following:

• An assortment of camping spots, hiking the Half Dome, and biking amongst the giant Sequoias, and waterfalls of Yosemite provide for a nice getaway for adventurous singles, coprerate, and church groups.
• Educational outdoor activities for kids as well as hiking and biking make an unforgetable family vacation, or youth group outing for any age
• A romantic get-a-way for couples to enjoy wine tasting, the recreational Lakes, first rate lodging, and spectacular views of Yosemite National Park .
• Close to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Lake Tahoe for a weekend retreat or camping adventure.

A rafting trip in the Yosemite Park Region is also easily accessible for trips to the Gold Country (1– 2 hrs), and Lake Tahoe (2-3 hrs).