Yosemite Falls and swimmers along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley, California
River hole

Merced River — Yosemite Valley

Mariposa

Swimming the Merced River in Yosemite Valley

  • WaterRiver hole
  • LifeguardNone
  • RestroomsAvailable

No lifeguard is implied unless a listing says otherwise. Natural swimming carries inherent risk — every practical detail on this page is sourced and dated, and never a guarantee of safety.

The place

About this swimming hole

Yosemite's Merced River offers designated swimming at Sentinel Beach, Swinging Bridge, and Cathedral Beach. $35/vehicle (America the Beautiful accepted). No timed entry required in 2026. No lifeguard on duty.

Photos

See the water

3 photos

Features & setting

  • river
  • ada-accessible

Location & directions

Merced River — Yosemite Valley
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Coordinates on file — opens your maps app.

Community observations

Recent visitor reports

Dated observations from visitors. These are not official facts about access, safety or closures.

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Reviews

What visitors say

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Community

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