Sierra Mac - Updated May 1st, 2023 - this winter had over 12 atmospheric river events, and has broken several records for seasonal precipitation and snow. -Merced options are scheduled to start the first Saturday in April. We are planning on running the Merced until August! -Tuolumne trips … [Read more...]
High-Water Rafting on the Merced and Main Tuolumne River
Each year, usually in spring and sometimes extending into early summer, rivers in California reach their highest volume of the year. As the hills begin to turn green and start bursting with wildflowers the twin forces of warmer temperatures and melting snowpack merge and Sierra rivers literally come … [Read more...]
National Wild & Scenic River System Celebrates 50 Years
"In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create but by what we refuse to destroy." – John C. Sawhill, The Nature ConservancyWhen we describe the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers as being wild and scenic, we aren't just talking. Paddling through Grey's Grindstone or Ram's Head … [Read more...]
Ultimate Five Star Lodging & Dining near Yosemite
For most, a trip to the Sierra Nevada is a rustic adventure, an escape to a wilder place. A hike (or rafting trip) into the back country and a night under the stars satisfies our deepest desire to connect with the wilderness. But we all need some pampering from time to time. Not far from where our … [Read more...]
Fresh Delicious Meals Served on the River
Nothing builds a hearty appetite like a day of paddling whitewater. The shared excitement and adrenaline demand quality calories. We have learned to prepare for large appetites. Enjoying a meal on the shore of a sparkling river is an integral part of all our trips, and is the perfect way to … [Read more...]
Merced River Rafting Camping Guide
Looking for a good campsite on your Merced River rafting trip? There are several excellent options for camping along the Merced as it flows downstream outside Yosemite National Park. Guests on spring and summer rafting trips often choose to overnight at nearby campgrounds before or after their … [Read more...]
Yosemite Waterfall Season
Springtime is waterfall season in Yosemite National Park. The snow pack and warming temperatures create a spectacular display of flowing water. Yosemite's waterfalls usually reach their fullest capacity in May of each year as snow in the high country is melting, this can vary depending on each … [Read more...]
California River Photography
Most of the rafting photos that you see on our website were shot by the photographers of Picture This/Rapid Shooters. Owner Mark Leder-Adams has been shooting California rivers since the 1980's, first on the American River and its forks, then later focusing his lens on the Kern, Merced, Tuolumne, … [Read more...]
President Obama & Family Choose Sierra Mac for Yosemite Visit
We were pleasantly surprized to receive a phone call in our office a few weeks back from the Presidential Secret Service. The President was requesting the rental use of two of our deluxe self-bailing rafts for his upcoming family visit to Yosemite National Park. We felt honored and proud to be … [Read more...]
One-Day and Half-Day Merced Rafting Trips Departing Daily
Travelers to Yosemite have many sights to take in and a variety of choices for how to spend their time. Time constraints can sometimes limit your vacation plans. Not everyone can fit a multi-day rafting trip into their vacation schedule, but there are some other options. If your visit is limited to … [Read more...]