White-Water Rafting

White-Water Rafting

Back to Yosemite GatewaysWhite-Water Rafting

One of the most depressing facts about Yosemite tourism is that few visitors do more than get out of their car, take a brief walk around the valley floor, "ooh" and "ah," snap some photos, and go back to their hotel. But if you really want to experience the wonders of the outdoors, contact Ahwahnee Whitewater, P.O. Box 1161, Columbia, CA 95310 (tel. 800/359-9790 or 209/533-1401; www.ahwahnee.com). Its rafting trips are one of the most direct ways to interact with nature -- especially if you're not the type to throw on a backpack and hoof it. The 1- to 3-day trips are ideal for white-water rebels in the spring (when the melting snow makes the ride most exciting) and for families later in the season. Although the trip doesn't go through the park, it's still an all-wilderness adventure -- but they make the arrangements, provide and cook the food (gourmet by camping standards), steer the rafts, and practically hand you an experience you'll never forget. All you need to do is reserve well in advance, and if you're going on an overnight trip (highly recommended!), bring a tent, sleeping bag, and a few other camping accouterments -- and get ready for a great time.

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