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California whitewater - Merced River, Central Sierra Nevada, Mariposa County
Mariposa
county,
Routes 120-140 Junction to Arch Rock Entrance Station section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
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CLASS V 4.8 miles
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The starting location is a short drive from Madera, as you can see on the road map further down. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in California is often more difficult than elsewhere, so better not forget that a lot of the rivers here are not suitable for beginners. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. The wonderful California scenery and the water flowing gracefully down Merced River have people coming here. This stretch is mid length, suitable |
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for an afternoon trip. The Central Sierra Nevada scenery is wonderful. Getting some good exercise and just hanging out with mother nature are great reasons to come. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, in this general area you'll find lots
| of paddling places. This section of Merced River in Mariposa County is 4.8 miles long and is a class V section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. There are plenty of other sections in this river system that can be paddled as well. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby.
Briefly about the general area:
All the water falling down from the sky makes Merced River a wet place; of all the months in a year January is the one with the most rain, and July is when it's the driest. Having a glorious time in | |
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the Central Sierra Nevada is uncomplicated. Near Merced River you locate perfect places like The Gateway, and going for a hike on the El Capitan Trail is always a great adventure.
The Rostrum is an interesting place to have a look at while at Merced River; Badger Pass is a
glorious local ski area. The surroundings of this river have so much to offer. A tour to Merced River wouldn't be complete without taking a look at Wildcat Falls; there is a great hiking trail nearby called the Pohono Trail. A short visit to The Cascades is always worthwhile, and
if you're into cool geologic characteristics try Pulpit Rock.
So many fun things to do at Merced River, so little time. Summertime highs at Merced River generally tend to be in the 80's. When the night sets in temperatures plunge down into the 50's. High temperatures throughout the winter are normally in the 40's, and night lows in the 20's for Merced River.
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Merced River, Routes 120-140 Junction to Arch Rock Entrance Station road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.
QUICK STATS
AW Class:
V
Length:
4.8
miles
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Putin Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 37.7168
Longitude: -119.6652
Takeout Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 37.6864
Longitude: -119.73001
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Paddler input for Merced River, California:
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Current weather conditions at Merced River, Central Sierra Nevada, California
Local climate location: CHERRY VALLEY DAM 12 miles away
      
RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS
There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river.
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Wawona Hotel, Yosemite National Park
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5 miles away
Wawona is one of the oldest mountain resort hotels in California and a National Historic Landmark. Its verdant meadows, rushing streams, and tranquility make this a favorite of those who prefer a rela...
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Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, Yosemite National Park
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5 miles away
As the closest property to Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Lodge is an idyllic spot for families, group retreats and visitors seeking to blend the comforts of a hotel while exploring the wilderness. In 1998,...
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Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite National Park
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5 miles away
Housekeeping Camp is located along a section of the Merced River in the center of Yosemite Valley. This is the ideal location for those who like to camp outdoors without the bother of setting up a ten...
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Central Sierra Nevada Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater kayaking and rafting spots in the Central Sierra Nevada.
Central Sierra Nevada Outdoors Info
Complete outdoors info for the Central Sierra Nevada.
All California Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in California.
Books about whitewater paddling on Merced River, California
List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Merced River, California.
Find a whitewater outfitter in California
Whitewater Basics
If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.
Outdoors Recreation Near Madera, California
Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Madera, California, the metro area neareast to Merced River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
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| These outdoors activities are available near Merced River. |
| | Whitewater Near Merced River:
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Yosemite Creek, Mariposa
County
, 10 miles away, Class IV-V - 8 miles long (Tioga Pass Road to Yosemite Falls) |
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Big Creek, Mariposa
County
, 10 miles away, Class IV-V+ - 1 miles long (Chowchilla Mountain Road to South Fork Merced River) |
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Merced River - South Fork, Mariposa
County
, 11 miles away, Class III-IV - 7.4 miles long (Snyder Gulch to Route 140 Bridge) |
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Merced River - South Fork, Mariposa
County
, 14 miles away, Class V+ - 16 miles long (Upper) |
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Tuolumne River, Tuolumne
County
, 15 miles away, Class IV-V+ - 32 miles long (Tioga Road Bridge to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) |
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Tenaya Creek, Mariposa
County
, 16 miles away, Class V - 1 miles long (Super Slide) |
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Merced River, Mariposa
County
, 18 miles away, Class II-V - 29 miles long (El Portal to Route 49 at Lake McClure) |
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Merced River, Mariposa
County
, 20 miles away, Class IV - 17 miles long (Red Bud to Bagby Reservoir) |
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Tuolumne River - South Fork, Tuolumne
County
, 20 miles away, Class IV-V - 7 miles long (Highway 120 to Rainbow Pool Picnic Area) |
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Fresno River, Madera
County
, 20 miles away, Class III-V - 3 miles long (Goldside Drive off road 600 to Road 600) |
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| | Ski Areas Near Merced River:
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Badger Pass, California
, 3 miles away, 800 vertical feet |
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Dodge Ridge, California
, 32 miles away, 1600 vertical feet |
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June Mountain, California
, 42 miles away, 2590 vertical feet |
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Sierra Summit, California
, 45 miles away, 1600 vertical feet |
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Mammoth Mountain, California
, 48 miles away, 3100 vertical feet |
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Bear Valley, California
, 49 miles away, 1900 vertical feet |
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Kirkwood, California
, 59 miles away, 2000 vertical feet |
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Sierra at Tahoe, California
, 66 miles away, 2212 vertical feet |
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Heavenly, California
, 69 miles away, 3500 vertical feet |
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Homewood, California
, 82 miles away, 1650 vertical feet |
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| | Hotels Near Merced River:
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Wawona Hotel, Yosemite National Park
, 5 miles away |
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Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, Yosemite National Park
, 5 miles away |
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Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite National Park
, 5 miles away |
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Curry Village, Yosemite National Park
, 5 miles away |
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Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National Park
, 5 miles away |
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| | Trails Near Merced River:
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Pohono Trail, Mariposa
County
, 2 miles away, 11.4 hiking miles, 3527 feet elevation difference |
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El Capitan Trail, Mariposa
County
, 4 miles away, 14.7 hiking miles, 4758 feet elevation difference |
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Yosemite Falls Trail, Mariposa
County
, 7 miles away, 9.4 hiking miles, 3958 feet elevation difference |
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Eagle Peak Trail, Mariposa
County
, 7 miles away, 9.4 hiking miles, 3939 feet elevation difference |
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Hetch Hetchy Trail, Mariposa
County
, 8 miles away, 7.7 hiking miles, 3804 feet elevation difference |
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Four Mile Trail, Mariposa
County
, 8 miles away, 3.7 hiking miles, 3869 feet elevation difference |
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Chilnualna Fall Trail, Mariposa
County
, 9 miles away, 7 hiking miles, 2879 feet elevation difference |
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| | National Parks Near Merced River:
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Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park - CA
, 7 miles away |
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Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes - CA
, 67 miles away |
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