Merced River Canyon

Highway 140 through the Merced River is the easiest and most scenic of the three west-side routes into Yosemite. The best photography in the canyon is spring, when redbud and wildflowers climb the canyon walls at every turn, and the Merced River churns violently. During peak runoff in late spring, or on rainy days, the east part of the canyon, between El Portal and Yosemite Valley, is host to many unnamed, ephemeral waterfalls.

How to get there

The Merced River Canyon is on Highway 140, between Yosemite Valley and Midpines. Entering Yosemite on 140 through Mariposa, or exiting on 140 through the Arch Rock entrance, takes you through the Merced River Canyon. A rockslide near Savage's Trading Post in the center of the canyon forced a one-lane detour over the river and back--expect a five or ten minute delay at the traffic signal managing this detour.