Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapAbout 20 miles southwest of Yosemite National Park, the scenic Merced River Trail functions as both a bike/pedestrian trail and a lightly trafficked vehicular road used to access campsites and recreational amenities within the Merced River Recreation Area. Following the historical Yosemite Valley Railroad along the Merced River, the trail offers a relatively flat grade for intermediate skill levels. It’s especially beautiful in the spring with an explosion of wildflowers that lasts from March to May.
The eastern entrance at the Briceburg Visitor Center provides parking, river access, and shade for resting or a picnic lunch along the river. Upon setting off westward from the parking lot, you will pass over a narrow bridge that accommodates both automobiles and bikes. Turn left after the bridge and follow the path west along the Merced River; going straight would take you instead to a switchbacking hiking trail up a mountainside.
The Merced River will be a constant companion, and there are river access points throughout, including places to hop in for a quick swim or to go rafting. Gold prospecting and trout fishing are also common. A popular place to enjoy these activities is the Cable Rock Day Use Area, which you’ll reach after 1.4 miles.
As you continue west down the gravel road maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), you may encounter the occasional vehicle sharing the road to access three campgrounds along the route, all providing restrooms and parking: McCabe Flat (1 mile west of Cable Rock), Willow Placer (1.5 miles after McCabe Flat), and Railroad Flat (0.8 mile after Willow Placer).
Although the multiuse pathway (and BLM road) ends at a gate just north of Railroad Flat Campground, adventurers can find hiking-only opportunities beyond it.
Parking for the Merced River Trail is available at the Briceburg Visitor Center. Daily parking is free, but a camping fee of $10 per night applies at any of the three campgrounds. Restrooms are available at the campgrounds.
To reach the Briceburg Visitor Center from Merced, travel east on State Route 140 for approximately 36 miles to the town of Mariposa, then travel 12 miles north on SR 140 to Briceburg. The visitor center will be on the left.
Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
Yes as described previously, after 5 miles the road is reduced to-a single track, or foot trail. The River is irresistible in its beauty, worth the trip. The old Railroad bed has experienced many Rock slides over the lay 70 years with no Matinence preformed. You will walk your bike plenty. It’s a great hiking trail.
This trail was highlighted as a terrific way to view some spring mountain flowers while riding along the Merced River. In April 2019 my wife and I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately we got a late start so ended up riding mid-afternoon, a little too hot for the flowers although we did see a few patches.
We started at the Briceburg trailhead. The view along the river was spectacular even though the gravel road was quite a wash board so had to keep our speed down. There were several camp grounds along the river within the first five miles. Unfortunately there is a locked gate at five miles that has a bypass for walkers, but because of the way it was built, there was no way to get our bikes through so our 13 mile trip was cut short. We talked to a local who happened to be there who said the gate had been there for many years. So short of lifting our bikes over the gate, we decided someone just didn’t want us riding on so we turned around.
The day was not a complete loss, however, because you are about an hour from the Yosemite Valley. We headed on over, had lunch and rode through the valley. The water falls were spectacular from all the snow fall this year.
Trip cut short, rattlesnakes, one coiled and leaped. Missed me. That was only 2.5 miles in. So be careful. I was glad my dogs were behind me. I was surprised, usually rattlesnakes don't get aggressive.
My wife and I made a day trip up to the MRT and thoroughly enjoyed it. There were numerous wildflowers blooming and the river was running fast from the recent rains we'd had. It's a great trail for beginners and that's exactly what we wanted.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
_155432_nb.jpg)
_18950_nb.jpg)
_225008_nb.jpg)
_190842_nb.jpg)
