Swimming

Swimming

Take A Dip

Activity Alert: Due to record snowmelt, the river is currently very high, cold and the water is moving very fast. Do not swim, wade or raft in the Merced River or any creeks in Yosemite until it is safe to do so and rafting season has begun.

No summer vacation would be complete without a refreshing dip in the sparkling water. Yosemite National Park offers a range of swimming opportunities—from rivers and lakes to our family-friendly pools, which are the only swimming places in Yosemite with lifeguards. River and lake swimming is at-your-own-risk. Life jackets are strongly recommended—especially for children.

River & Lake Swimming

A favorite for swimmers of all ages, the Merced River at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley offers soft, sandy beaches--perfect for spending an afternoon sunning and splashing. Tuolumne Meadows and the Park's High Sierra Camps also have some wonderful, secluded swimming areas.

Notice: The Ahwahnee Pool is temporarily closed for rehabilitation. The Curry Village pool is closed for the season due to maintenance. The Yosemite lodge pool is open and closes September 4 *weather permitting* and is free to all hotel and non-hotel guests. 

Pool Swimming

Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge offer swimming pools that all park guests are welcome to use. Guests staying at the hotels can swim free. Visitors not staying at the hotels can pay a small fee to swim (see below). The Ahwahnee pool and Wawona Hotel Pool are available only for guests staying at that specific lodge. 

  • Use of our swimming pools is free to our overnight guests.
  • Non-lodging guests may use the pools at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge:
  • $5.00 per adult per day
  • $3.00 per child (12 and under) per day

Lifeguards are on duty at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. All pools are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when conditions permit. Check the Yosemite Guide for current hours.