Cherry Creek/Tuolumne River Details

The Morning of Your Trip

At 6 am meet in Colfax Spring which is 15 miles east of Groveland, CA, on Highway 120 and 15 miles from Yosemite National Park’s Crane Flat entrance. After a short shuttle ride you’ll arrive at the launch for a high-energy breakfast, followed by fitting for wetsuits, helmets, and flotation vests. Guests participate in a two-hour whitewater safety seminar that includes swimming, navigation, and swiftwater training. Safety is a top priority, so if guests don’t meet standards, they may be asked to return to the shuttle van (with a partial refund provided).

Video: Rafting Cherry Creek

Trip Overview

The river action kicks off on Cherry Creek, two miles upstream from its confluence with the Tuolumne River. The Class IV Cherry Creek section is a continuation of the land orientation where guides drill paddle teams and run them through swim training. At the confluence is where some people decide on their own they don’t want to go while at times others are told it’s not their day. Below here the river picks up with about 9 miles of continuous Class V whitewater. Its renowned rapids include Jawbone, Mushroom, Miracle Mile, and Flat Rock Falls. With an average gradient of 110 feet per mile, Cherry Creek offers one of the most thrilling rafting experiences in the U.S.

(Please note that below is the typical itinerary for a 2-day trip, 3 day trips allow more time for exploring side-canyons and enjoying the river corridor. The take-out timing and location is the same for both trips. it is possible to just raft Cherry Creek in a 1-day. In that case expect to have lunch at take-out a little after 12 pm and be back at your car mid-afternoon.)

Overnight Camp Experience

After a day of rafting, a secluded riverside camp is set up where guides prepare appetizers and dinner. Guests can relax with a swim, hike, or unwind by the river under a star-lit sky.

Day 2 on the Main Tuolumne

The journey continues through 18 miles of Class IV-V rapids, including Nemesis, Clavey Falls, and Gray’s Grindstone. The gradient mellows, providing a chance to appreciate the scenic beauty of Tuolumne Canyon, especially stunning with springtime wildflowers. Designated as a Wild & Scenic River, this canyon offers pristine wilderness and fascinating Gold Rush and Miwok history.

Directions and Meeting Time

Trips meet in Colfax Spring 5 minutes west of Buck Meadows at 6:00 am (unless otherwise noted). The site is about 3.5 hours from the Bay Area, 1.5 hours from Manteca, and 7 hours from Los Angeles. For those traveling from Yosemite Valley, it’s a quick 50-minute drive from the valley floor. If arriving by private plane, local pickup can be arranged at the Pine Mountain Lake Airport.

Cell phone coverage along Highway 120 is limited, so have a map and directions handy.

Meals

Meals are fresh and high-quality, prepared by the guides with expertise the in-house chef, Armando. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day, with snacks and drinks provided along the way. Guests are welcome to bring their own beer, wine, or other evening beverages (please avoid glass, except for wine bottles).

What to Bring

Required Gear

• Wetsuit (provided)
• Swimwear or shorts
• Synthetic T-shirt or sun shirt
• Closed-toe shoes (no sandals)
• Hat with visor
• Sunglasses with a strap

For Cooler Weather

• Wool or synthetic layers
• Rubber splash jacket (provided in cool weather)
• Wool or neoprene socks

Warm Weather

• Lightweight long pants or long-sleeve shirts are optional for sun protection

Overnight Packing

Guests will receive a dry bag to store personal belongings. Suggested items include a sleeping bag, air mattress, comfortable clothing, head lamp (with red light), toiletries, extra shoes, and sunblock. Tents and sleeping gear can be rented.

Optional Items

• Rain jacket
• Fishing gear
• Journal
• Extra drinks for camp

Price Includes

Outfitter provides all the  group camping and river related safety equipment, along with plenty of fresh food, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. However you will need to rent or supply your own tent and sleep gear. Transportation to the put-in point and take-out point is included.

Weather

April and May have cooler temperatures (average high 84°F, low 50°F), which require extra layers, but allow for longer hikes. June through August are the hottest months to raft Utah with temperatures ranging 95-101°F. As the rafting season winds down in September and October you can expect cooler weather, with highs averaging 89°F and lows around 53°F.

The Boats

Cherry Creek is raft in 15 ft oar/paddle combination rafts with typically two or four paddlers and a guide. The guide uses oars making it easier to control the angle of the raft while the paddlers provide the power to the raft.

After the class V section a gear raft will join the party to take all the food and gear to camp. Sometimes the raft configuration will change at this point depending upon water flows and group dynamics.

Group Size

Trips will have 2 to 5 oar/paddle rafts with no more than 20 guests in the group.

Camp Life

Whether you’re an experienced camper or it’s your first time under the stars, our outfitters are specialists in facilitating an enjoyable and relaxing camping experience. Everyone typically participates in setting up and breaking down camp. A clean, private camp toilet is set up first thing upon arrival at camp and it is the last thing to be dismantled the next morning.

Adventure Specialists

Since 1987, we’ve been connecting travelers to incredible water adventures worldwide. We partner exclusively with outfitters who share our passion for creating exceptional experiences. Our service is free to you—our commission comes from the outfitters, so your trip cost is the same as booking directly.  Contact us to explore additional schedules and offerings that may better fit your plans.