The Fire the ended a rafting season, and opened a mystery filled with conspiracy, murder, allegations and cover-up. 10 years ago, a fire charred the Tuolumne Corridor all the way into Yosemite. The search for answers, and the pile up of allegations had everyone telling a different tale of how it all started. ‘Rolling Stone’…
In 1912, John Muir wrote, “No temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its wall seems to glow with life.” A visit to Yosemite National Park is an intoxicating experience as you soak in the splendor of the rugged mountains, gushing rivers, and alpine meadows. Even after 50 years of leading…
Summer 2023 is fast approaching. Merced rafting trips are up and running April 2nd. In 2019, Paddlers got to experience some truly awesome peak high water and a long lingering summer of rafting. This year, there should be tons of dates for Cherry Creek with solid full-season Class V thrills. We are grateful to our…
– 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 start most likely memorial day weekend. We are facing several road…
Looking for a new way to experience the Yosemite region? Several alternative lodging options are now available for intrepid travelers to this popular destination. In addition, we are now offering camping at Sierra Mac River Trips Basecamp. These sites are perfect for groups that want an extra night out before the trip, and the convenience…
Spring rafting trips start in April! This epic video by Sierra Mac’s Tom McDonnell (with a little help from Meryl Streep) captures some of the magic and excitement of running the Tuolumne at high water. Come and raft the river while it’s running wild! Share this video with your crew and start planning a rafting…
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 roaring to life. Rivers like the Merced…
Living close to Yosemite National Park has its perks, and Sierra Mac river guides get to know the Park and local area intimately. Rafting trip guests are often curious about local secrets on how to best experience Yosemite and the surrounding area – especially during peak summer season. During spring and summer, Yosemite attracts visitors…
From its source in the compacted annual snows in the high peaks of Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne River runs a long and varied course on its path to where it joins the San Joaquin in California’s Central Valley. On the way it tumbles through a remote and truly wild section of unique beauty. The…
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 Conservancy When 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 rapid during spring high…
Planning a California Adventure trip? Learn the best time of year to visit for fewer crowds, better weather, and smarter trip timing.
Master Class V whitewater rafting preparation with expert steps, fitness training, gear checklists, and safety essentials. Get ready for intense rapids.
Explore the rapids on the Tuolumne River with a mile-by-mile breakdown of Class III through Class V whitewater sections and flow conditions.
Rafting the Rivers of Yosemite
Marty & Tom McDonnell – Outfitter
