California whitewater - Merced River, Central Sierra Nevada, Mariposa County Mariposa county, Red Bud to Bagby Reservoir section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV     17 miles   This stretch of Merced River in California is 17 miles long and is a class IV section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often tougher than in other states, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that quite a few of the sections here are not easy. The wonderful Mariposa County scenery and the cool fresh water attract people from near and far. There are so many sections to paddle in this river system, the Red Bud to Bagby Reservoir section is just one of many. Since you're     on this site you are probably into whitewater rafting or kayaking, either way this is an area with plenty of places for that. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. This stretch is long enough for an overnight trip if you take your time, so why not pack your camp stove too. A good workout and a chance to spend some time outdoors are great attractions for lots of people. The starting location is a reasonable drive from Madera, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. The river winds through the Central Sierra Nevada and you get great scenery. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. Briefly about the general area: The amount of precipitation that falls at   Merced River is close to the national average; the month of January is the wettest with most of the rain; the driest month is July. At Merced River through the summertime highs are in the 90's. Summer nighttime lows descend down to the 50's. Throughout the winter this place gets highs in the 50's with winter lows in the 30's overnight here at Merced River. North Fork Halls Gulch is a brilliant location to explore close by. Merced River, Red Bud to Bagby Reservoir road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked. QUICK STATS AW Class: IV Length: 17 miles Average Gradient: 34 fpm    Putin Location Coordinates: Latitude: 37.66999 Longitude: -119.8185 Takeout Location Coordinates: Latitude: 37.61249 Longitude: -120.1346 Paddler input for Merced River, California: Submit Input: Your Name: Write or Paste Input here: Upload picture:      Input Submission Guidelines Current weather conditions at Merced River, Central Sierra Nevada, California Local climate location: SONORA R S 17 miles away RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river. Comfort Inn Mariposa, Mariposa 9 miles away Shops and restaurants within walking distance. California State Mining and Mineral Exhibition 2 miles. Hotel located in historic Gold Country on year round highway to Yosemite National Park. Boating, ... Super 8 Motel Mariposa /Yosemite National Park Area, Mariposa 9 miles away * Gateway to Yosemite National Park * Enjoy Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Golfing * Located in Historic Town Mariposa * Yosemite Tour Bus Pick-up Site * 35 miles from the west entrance to Yosemite Nat... Best Western Yosemite Way Station, Mariposa 9 miles away This Mariposa, California hotel offers convenient access to Yosemite National Park, the Sierra National Forest and the Giant Sequoia Trees. Welcome to the peace and beauty of central California's Si...   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.       These outdoors activities are available near Merced River.   Whitewater Near Merced River: Merced River, Mariposa County , 1 miles away, Class II-V - 29 miles long (El Portal to Route 49 at Lake McClure) Merced River - North Fork, Mariposa County , 5 miles away, Class IV-V(V+) - 17 miles long (Greeley Hill Road to Merced confluence) Merced River - South Fork, Mariposa County , 9 miles away, Class III-IV - 7.4 miles long (Snyder Gulch to Route 140 Bridge) Tuolumne River - South Fork, Tuolumne County , 10 miles away, Class IV-V - 7 miles long (Highway 120 to Rainbow Pool Picnic Area) Tuolumne River, Tuolumne County , 14 miles away, Class IV-V+ - 9 miles long (Cherry Creek to Meral's Pool) Clavey River, Tuolumne County , 18 miles away, Class V+ - 8.5 miles long (Upper Bridge to Lower Bridge) Tuolumne River, Tuolumne County , 18 miles away, Class IV-V - 18 miles long (Lumsden Campground to Wards Ferry Bridge) Merced River, Mariposa County , 20 miles away, Class V - 4.8 miles long (Routes 120-140 Junction to Arch Rock Entrance Station) Clavey River, Tuolumne County , 20 miles away, Class V+ - 20.8 miles long (Lower Bridge to Ward's Ferry) Chowchilla River, Madera County , 20 miles away, Class III-IV - 7 miles long (Road 810 to Road 800)   Ski Areas Near Merced River: Badger Pass, California , 22 miles away, 800 vertical feet Dodge Ridge, California , 30 miles away, 1600 vertical feet Bear Valley, California , 47 miles away, 1900 vertical feet Kirkwood, California , 57 miles away, 2000 vertical feet Sierra Summit, California , 61 miles away, 1600 vertical feet June Mountain, California , 62 miles away, 2590 vertical feet Sierra at Tahoe, California , 64 miles away, 2212 vertical feet Mammoth Mountain, California , 67 miles away, 3100 vertical feet Heavenly, California , 71 miles away, 3500 vertical feet Homewood, California , 80 miles away, 1650 vertical feet   Hotels Near Merced River: Comfort Inn Mariposa, Mariposa , 9 miles away Super 8 Motel Mariposa /Yosemite National Park Area, Mariposa , 9 miles away Best Western Yosemite Way Station, Mariposa , 9 miles away Little Valley Inn, Mariposa , 13 miles away dnc -- Wawona Hotel, Yosemite National Park , 24 miles away   Camp Grounds Near Merced River: Yosemite/Mariposa KOA, Midpines, 4 miles away Yosemite Trail Campground, Midpines, 5 miles away Midpines Koa Kampground, Midpines, 7 miles away   Trails Near Merced River: Hite Cove Trail, Mariposa County , 9 miles away,  14.4 hiking miles, 1185 feet elevation difference Pilot Ridge Trail, Mariposa County , 10 miles away, 2.1 hiking miles, 1023 feet elevation difference   National Parks Near Merced River: Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park - CA , 22 miles away