Paddling Yosemite National Park
Paddling Yosemite National Park was never at the top of my list but it should have been!
You could easily spend weeks exploring all that Yosemite has to offer, but if you’re looking for a unique adventure, paddle boarding here is absolute paradise! There are two spots to choose from: the Merced River winding through Yosemite Valley, or the pristine waters of Tenaya Lake—Yosemite’s largest front-country alpine lake.
Yosemite National Park, in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, ancient sequoias and breathtaking waterfalls. The park lies on the ancestral lands of the Ahwahnechee people, a group within the Southern Sierra Miwok, who were forcibly displaced beginning in the mid-1800s.
If you’ve never been to Yosemite, it’s an absolute must-visit! My first trip to the park left me completely in awe of its beauty.
It’s important to mention that getting to Yosemite Valley isn’t a quick journey. Coming from San Francisco, we entered the park at the Big Oak Flat Entrance, which is 24 miles from Yosemite Valley—a drive that took us about an hour. Even the closest entrance, Arch Rock, is still 11.4 miles from the valley. If possible, I highly recommend staying within the park to maximize your time and avoid extra driving.
We stayed in the canvas tent cabins in Curry Village.
Merced River beside Housekeeping Camp
1. Merced River, Yosemite Valley
Paddling or floating down the Merced River is a wild and scenic experience, with breathtaking views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Surrounded by towering mountains, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.
Water Levels & Safety:
Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, with the best time for paddling typically between June and early August, though this varies annually.
We paddled in early October when the water level was low, so we had to walk some sections and get a little creative!
To stay safe, always wear a PFD (personal flotation device), use a river fin, and bring neoprene booties for the chilly snowmelt-fed water.
The park requires PFDs to be worn when the water level exceeds 4 feet, and it’s crucial to use a quick-release leash instead of an ankle leash when the current is strong to avoid entanglement hazards.
The river becomes unsafe to paddle when water levels rise above 7 feet at Pohono Bridge, which usually happens in spring due to snowmelt.
Check here for up-to-date water levels.
Merced River in Yosemite Valley with Half Dome
Walking a section of lover water levels on the Merced River
Access Points:
The best spot to launch is at Stoneman Bridge near Curry Village and take out 3 miles (5km) downstream at the Sentinel Beach picnic area. You can also launch and take out at Cathedral Beach.
If you’re camping in the valley at Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines or Housekeeping Camp you can launch from the premier of the campground at the riverbanks. You can only park here if you are staying at the campsite.
To return to Curry Village you can take the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle but will need to return to pick up your gear as you aren’t allowed to bring it on the shuttle.
When the rafting season is open, you can pay $5.25 per person for the direct shuttle from Sentinel Beach to Curry Village. However, if you’re bringing your own paddle vessel, it must fit on your lap, which means many larger paddleboards or kayaks won’t qualify. You’ll need to drive back to pick up your gear.
Rentals:
If you want to paddleboard or kayak, keep in mind that you cannot rent in Yosemite National Park. You’ll need to bring your own gear. The only rentals available are rafts for floating down the river, which are available during higher water levels, typically from June to August.
Curry Village Canvas Tent Cabin Accommodation
Yosemite Valley Map – Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley Shuttle – Aramark
Sentinal Beach
Although it can be logistically challenging, especially during the busy summer season, the Merced River in Yosemite Valley is an absolute must-do paddle! To avoid the crazy crowds in the summer months I’d recommend visiting in June, September or October. It is still worth doing when the water is low just keep in mind you’ll need to walk sections of cold river.
Olmsted Point
Tenaya Lake is an alpine lake that’s accessible when the Tioga Road is open, typically from late May to November.
Coming from the west, Olmsted Point is a great spot on route to Tenaya Lake to stretch your legs or go for a brief hike. It’s a scenic overlook right off Tioga Road that provides breathtaking views of the northeastern face of Half Dome.
2. Tenaya Lake
Tenaya Lake is a popular spot in the summer, known for its crystal-clear waters and easy access for launching paddle vessels or swimming from the beach shoreline. The lake is named after Chief Tenaya, the leader of the Ahwahneechee people in Yosemite Valley. The Ahwahneechee referred to the lake as Pywiak, meaning ‘shining rocks’.
There is no official launch spot on the lake for paddling but you can park and access the lake from the south at Sunrise Lakes Trail Head or the north Tenaya Picnic area parking. There are also multiple parking spots along Tioga Road.
Paddling the entire lake out and back is approximately 2-3 miles (3-5km).
South east side of Tenaya Lake
North east side of Tenaya Lake
Yosemite is worth visiting, whether for paddling, hiking, or just soaking in the views!
Check out YARTS for getting to Yosemite by public transit.
Have you been to Yosemite? Share your experience in the comments.
Check out Lake Tahoe for another backlist place to paddle in California.
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