Home › California › Mariposa › Merced River Trail
Merced River Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Running trail in Mariposa, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Merced River Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Merced River Trail
“A lot of the water is hard to get to because of steep walls but when you can access it, its relaxing and beautiful cant wait to explore some more”
“Quiet and great for dog walking in the morning.”
Skinks, river otters, beavers, rattlesnake, deer, rocks for rockhounds, swimming, fishing, floating, hiking....
This is an extremely beautiful hike/trail that leads along the merced River. It is very very easy, with little to no incline. When you arrive in the parking lot/rec area/boat ramp, Park and then walk over the wooden bridge.
This was a moderate hike. There were some steep areas in a few areas where had to climb over rocks but overall, this is something that moderate hikers could do. It was out and back, so no chance of taking a wrong turn.
Beautiful trail running alongside the river. Quiet and great for dog walking in the morning. Heats up fast in the afternoon though.
Trail conditions & character
“A lot of the water is hard to get to because of steep walls but when you can access it, its relaxing and beautiful cant wait to explore some more”
“A lot of the water is hard to get to because of steep walls but when you can access it, its relaxing and beautiful cant wait to explore some more”
“Quiet and great for dog walking in the morning.”
Plan your run at Merced River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitemariposacounty.org
Running trails near Mariposa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Merced River/ North Fork Trailhead
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Burbank Park
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Fahrens Park
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The Black Rascal Bike Path passes through this recreation area with a playground & disc-golf course.