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Merced, California

The best trails and outdoor activities in Merced, California, are a must-visit for anyone who enjoys scenic outdoor adventures. One of the top trails is the Bear Creek Trail. It's a 5-mile long, moderately difficult trail that winds along the beautiful Bear Creek. The trail is known for its diverse plant life and the creek's clear waters. If you're lucky, you might spot some local wildlife too. Another must-visit is the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife. Here, you can enjoy bird watching or a leisurely walk on the nature trail. For a more challenging hike, head to the nearby Yosemite National Park and tackle the Half Dome Trail. This strenuous hike rewards with panoramic views of the park's iconic granite formations and waterfalls. These outdoor activities in and near Merced offer a unique mix of relaxation and adventure.

Top Spots in and near Merced

  • Merced, California

    Photograph the Merced National Wildlife Refuge

    5.0
    Merced National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to go and take photos of birds as the refuge plays host to the largest wintering populations of Lesser Sandhill Cranes and Snow/ Ross geese along the Pacific Flyway. Each autumn more than 20,000 cranes and 60,000 arctic-nesting geese termi...
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  • Groveland, California

    Drive the Yosemite Valley Loop

    4.3
    Upon entering Yosemite Valley National Park I made it a point to see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Washington Column and several other famous Yosemite formations. What I didn't realize was as soon as I entered The Village was that all could be seen within a 15 minute loop around the valley floor. Th...
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  • Groveland, California

    Rainbow Pool

    4.5
    Finding Rainbow Pool is a little tricky, since it is off the side of a highway, but when you find it there is parking and bathrooms. There is a easy walkway to get down to the pool itself, and trails to climb to the top to slide or jump off the rocks. Many people tend to fish up top underneath th...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Wawona in Yosemite National Park

    Wawona offers over 90 campsites in 3 loops, including 1 group site, 2 horse sites, and RV/ camper access.Every loop has at least 1 bathroom with flush toilets, but keep in mind that there are no showers at this campground.Pets are allowed, but must be kept on leash at all times.Each campground co...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Merced Grove

    5.0
    3.32 mi / 600 ft gain
    Merced Grove is technically the smallest and most secluded of the three sequoia groves found in Yosemite National Park, which lends itself to be less crowded offering a peaceful solitude hike. The trailhead is located at the Merced Grove parking lot on Big Oak Flat Road. This trail begins by foll...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike to Alder Creek Falls

    10 mi / 1000 ft gain
    The trail leads from the parking area across the Mosquito Creek road and heads uphill north through an open pine forest with manzanita growing on dry slopes. The trail provides access to Alder Creek Falls a hidden gem within Yosemite's Wawona wilderness. I did the trail towards the end of Februar...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Crane Flat Campground

    Crane Flat Campground is located on the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley. Sites are open July-October at $26/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

    4.2
    2.67 mi / 653 ft gain
    The Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is one of three sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park. This particular grove has gorgeous forest scenery and provides great solitude compared to the crowded Yosemite Valley. The trail used to be an old road offering a wide path with a gradual descent, makin...
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  • Oakhurst, California

    Hike the Shadow of the Giants Trail

    4.0
    1.1 mi / 85 ft gain
    The Shadow of the Giants National Recreation trail is an amazing 1.1 mile self-guided hike through the heart of Nelder Grove. Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10) travel approx. 5 miles to Nelder Grove, when you reach the camp area take ...
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  • Friant, California

    Pincushion Peak

    2.49 mi / 1043 ft gain
    Head North on Friant Rd. It will begin to head East, becoming Millerton Rd. Stay on Millerton Rd for 4.2 mi. Turn left onto Sky Harbor Rd (street JUST before Table Mountain Casino). Follow Sky Harbor Rd for 5.8 miles to the end of the road. Parking is available along the road. There are port a po...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Backpack to Crescent Lake

    20 mi / 4100 ft gain
    Crescent Lake is another beautiful spot a long the Beuna Vista loop. Starting at the Chilnualna Trailhead in Wawona, you start your journey climbing about 4.6 miles and 2,300 feet to the top of Chilnualna Falls (always a good place to rest). Beyond the falls, continue a long the trail and always ...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Buena Vista Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead

    24.64 mi / 5453 ft gain
    Hiking and camping at Buena Vista Lake is a beautiful way to see the south side of Yosemite… the name says it all. With beautiful 360 degree views from Buena Vista Peak you get to look at the backside of Half Dome, up to Clouds Rest and all the domes and peaks in-between. You can reach the trail...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Hike to the Top of Chilnualna Falls

    4.3
    9.2 mi / 2300 ft gain
    Many visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnualna...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Backpack to Johnson Lake

    24 mi / 4500 ft gain
    Your trek begins at the Chilnualna Falls trailhead in Wawona near the South Gate in Yosemite. The first suggestion I have is to check the weather in the area to make sure you won't be slowed down by rain or snow. It's about 12 miles from the trailhead to the lake and if you are a swift hiker and ...
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  • Wawona, California

    Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail

    1.29 mi / 121 ft gain
    The hike to the Wawona Swinging Bridge is a 0.7 mile dirt path. Start at the trailhead located next to the parking lot. The hike is surrounded by many trees which offers a lot of shade. For the first couple of minutes the trail is fairly straight. You then begin to hike down for just a minute or ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike Old Big Oak Flat Road

    4.1 mi / 1070 ft gain
    Old Big Oak Flat Road used to be one of the main entries into Yosemite Valley, before HWY 120, 140 and 41. It was a dangerous road which had to be realigned, reconstructed and maintained continuously and was eventually closed in the 1940’s after a giant rockslide made it completely irreparable. T...
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Camping and Lodging in Merced

Codorniz Recreation Area Campground
Raymond, California

Codorniz Recreation Area Campground

Willow Placer Campground
Briceburg Road

Willow Placer Campground

Mc Cabe Flat Campground
Briceburg Road

Mc Cabe Flat Campground

Railroad Flat Campground
Briceburg Road

Railroad Flat Campground

Hidden View
Raymond, California

Hidden View

Chowchilla Recreation Area Day Use
Unnamed Road

Chowchilla Recreation Area Day Use