PACKRAFTING TRAININGS NEAR YOSEMITE
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Packrafting is an adventurous blend of kayaking, canyoning, and hiking—all rolled into one epic journey. Using a lightweight inflatable raft that packs down small enough to carry in a backpack, you can hike deep into remote terrain, then paddle rivers, lakes, or canyons along the way. It’s the ultimate self-supported adventure, combining the freedom of backcountry travel with the thrill of whitewater exploration. Whether you’re crossing wilderness valleys or floating hidden gorges, packrafting lets you explore places few others can reach—all under your own power.
All Trips location sections will be dependent on conditions.
Packrafting Training on the Tuolumne & Cherry Creek
Learn the art of backcountry river travel in Yosemite’s wild canyons. Guided skill-building courses for paddlers and explorers.
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Discover the newest frontier in Sierra adventure.
Packrafting combines lightweight hiking with whitewater navigation — allowing access to places traditional rafts and kayaks can’t reach.
Our packrafting trainings are hands-on, wilderness-based experiences designed to teach river safety, paddling technique, and expedition planning in the spectacular Tuolumne and Cherry Creek watersheds.
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What You’ll Learn
Our courses balance instruction, exploration, and real-time decision-making. You’ll gain experience in:
• Reading moving water and river hazards
• Packraft setup and repair
• Swiftwater safety and self-rescue
• Backcountry navigation and gear management
• Expedition planning and environmental stewardship
These aren’t classroom sessions — they’re immersive backcountry adventures led by Sierra Mac’s veteran river guides.
Intro to Packrafting – Tuolumne Canyon
1/2 Day
Beginner–Intermediate
July-October
Cherry Creek Whitewater Intensive
1 Day
Advanced
July-October
Private & Custom Trainings (Please Inquire)
1–3 Days
Tailored
All training trips include packrafts, paddles, helmets, and safety gear, plus meals and shuttle logistics. Group sizes are small for personalized instruction and a strong focus on safety.
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Where We Train
Tuolumne River — The Perfect Learning Ground
The upper Tuolumne offers a mix of calm stretches and moderate rapids, making it ideal for building confidence and technique.
Cherry Creek — Technical Wilderness Challenge
Known as one of the most intense commercial whitewater runs in the U.S., Cherry Creek provides advanced students the opportunity to apply refined skills in a spectacular granite canyon environment.
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Why Train With Sierra Mac
For over four decades, Sierra Mac River Trips has led professional whitewater expeditions in Yosemite’s backyard. Our guides bring deep local knowledge, safety expertise, and a love for teaching on the river.
Each training trip blends education and adventure, helping participants develop the confidence and competence to safely explore wild rivers on their own.
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Join a Training Trip
Ready to learn, paddle, and explore?
We’re now accepting 2025 packrafting training applications. Contact us to find the right program for your experience level and goals.