Merced River Trail

General Information

Ferguson Slide Information  http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/conditions/ferguson.shtml

Location:
The site is located 12 miles north of Mariposa, California.

Description:
This ungroomed and, for the most part, unshaded 18-mile trek for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders follows the old Yosemite railroad grade from the Briceburg Visitor Center ,along the north side of the river, to the Highway 49 bridge at Bagby.

Mailing Address:
BLM
Folsom Field Office
63 Natoma Street
Folsom, CA 95630

Phone Number:(916) 985-4474

Fax Number:(916) 985-3259

Directions:
From Merced, located on U.S. Highway 99, travel 37 miles east on State Highway 140 to Mariposa. Then travel another 12 miles on Highway 140 to the Briceburg Visitor Center.

Visitor Activities:
Whitewater rafting (Class III-IV), hiking, camping, picnicking, mountian biking, nature study, hobby gold prospecting, horseback riding and swimming. Wildflower viewing in the spring is great!!

Permits, Fees, Limitations:
There is a camping fee of $10.00 per site, and beach camping is $2.00 per person per day.

Accessibility:
Campgrounds are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Camping and Lodging:
There are three BLM campgrounds along the Merced River between Briceburg and Bagby. They are the McCabe Flat Campground, Willow Placer Campground, and the Railroad Flat Campground. The campgrounds are access only by crossing the bridge at Briceburg and heading down river on the trail (old Yosemite railroad grade).
Please note: Trailers over 18 feet and large RV's not recommended to cross bridge. The old Yosemite railroad grade is accessible by vehicles up to the Railroad Flat Campground. Only equestrian, pedestrians, and bicycles are permitted beyond the Railroad Flat Campground.

Commercial lodging is available in the town of Mariposa.

Food and Supplies:
Food and supplies are available in Mariposa. Potable water is not available. Bring your own water.

First Aid:
BLM crew with Emergency Medical Technicians are on duty on weekends during the rafting season, generally April through July. The County Sheriff and Fire Department also provide first aid.

Additional Information:
The Merced River Recreation Area is near the entrance to Yosemite National Park, and provides overflow or alternative camping for park visitors, as well as a beautiful setting for river enthusiasts. The best times to visit are spring and summer. Many commercial raft outfitters, licensed and supervised by BLM, offer trips on the Merced River. Contact the BLM Folsom Field Office for a list of approved commercial raft operators and their schedules.