Hi there, We will be in Yosemite in late June 2019 with a 5 and 8 year old, both of whom can swim. We are keen on rafting down the Merced river or thereabouts in the Half Dome vicinity but have noted that the raft rental business does not allow kids <50lbs.
Can any one suggest an alternative way we can raft with the kids, e.g. guided rafting trip? Appreciate your help.
Tom
I know nothing about guided rafting tours, but there are reasons why small kids aren't permitted on whitewater trips.
Can't you wait until they are old or heavy enough?
Hi Coalcliff, good question, short answer is that I live in Australia so this is a bit of once in life time trip.
I reckon if my kids can surf then they can sit in an inflatable raft meandering down a river with a life jacket on!
Answer your question?
Yes - I live in Australia too, and was in the surf as a young grommet. But I guess the operators have their rules!
And on a broader point - Yosemite NP is outstanding, but I've never thought its rafting was a highlight ... but up to you of course ... and it depends on how long your total trip is too.
We are spending 5 nights in Yosemite so I was keen for some activities that didnt involve hiking everyday, esp. for my youngest. I know there are horse rides but I prefer my chances in the water than having 5 year olds falling off horses!!
Its a fine line with littlies - activities but not too many, fun but not too physically or technically challenging, etc ,etc...
All useful ideas are welcome
Rafting is high risk. Insurance/Liability most likely does not allow children under a certain weight....
The river in question in Yosemite looks very calm and even on the parks website they pretty well refer to it as relaxing. This is not white water stuff we are talking about.
Have you been on the Merced river in Yosemite, specifically the stretch near Half dome camp? Do you think it is too rough? If so I will certainly rule it out...
No I haven't checked it out that much near Half Dome - only along the long drive in to the park via El Portal - and I agree it didn't ever look particularly rough. I think around April-May it probably get s pretty lively - the waterfalls are roaring at that time with the snowmelt.
Although this year has been a big snow season, so there might be a lot of water in the river later than May.
