| Facilities: Lodging, food, and gas are located near the Merced River in Curry Village and Yosemite Village. Best Time To Visit: The length of the rafting season on the Merced River changes from year to year and depends on river depth, water temperature and climate. A typical season begins the last weekend of May and ends in July. Fees: Rental fees are charged and an entrance fee is charged upon entering the park. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Children under 50 lbs. are not permitted in rental rafts. The following is prohibited within Yosemite National Park: feeding or approaching wildlife, hunting animals, collecting reptiles and butterflies, collecting plants (including pine cones), picking up archeological or historic items such as arrowheads, possession of metal detectors or using them to locate and collect historic objects, driving vehicles into sensitive meadows and off roadways, camping outside of designated campgrounds, and possession of weapons.Pets must be restrained on a leash not more than six feet long or otherwise physically restrained. Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you. Dispose of trash in animal-proof trash cans or dumpsters. Keep your food and trash from wildlife by storing it properly, day and night. Keep bicycles on paved roads and paved trails. They are not allowed to travel off-trail, on unpaved trails, or in wilderness areas.Directions: Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous terrain in the Sierra Nevada of California. From the west, the park can be accessed on Highways 120 and 140. From the east, the park can be accessed on Highway 120 only; however, this portion of the highway is closed, generally between October and May, due to snow conditions. To reach Yosemite National Park Visitor Center from Modesto, take Highway 120 out of Oakdale and follow it east for 76.5 miles. Make a slight right onto Big Oak Flat Rd. (Ireland Lake Rd.) and follow it east for 9.6 miles to Highway 140 (Northside Dr.) Turn left onto Highway 140 and travel east for about 7 miles to Yosemite Village.To reach Yosemite National Park Visitor Center from Fresno, travel north on Highway 41 for 92 miles. Turn left onto Highway 140 (Northside Dr.) and follow it for 1 mile to Yosemite Village.To reach Yosemite National Park Visitor Center from Bridgeport, travel south on Highway 395 for 26 miles to Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Rd.) Turn right onto Highway 120 and follow it west for 58.5 miles. Turn left onto Big Oak Flat Rd. (Ireland Lake Rd.) and follow it east for 9.6 miles to Highway 140 (Northside Dr.) Turn left onto Highway 140 and travel east for about 7 miles to Yosemite Village.Map: Click here for a map to Merced River Reservations: Reservations are not required to enter Yosemite National Park; however, reservations for camping or lodging are strongly recommended if you plan to spend the night. | |
