River Rafting, Hiking, and Camping: An Epic California Road Trip

If you’re scheming up some summer fun, we have the ultimate California road trip route dialed, brought to you by our friends at KOA. On this week-long adventure you’ll hit four different stretches of whitewater, hike in Yosemite, and explore early Gold Rush towns filled with quirky shops, wineries and hip dining spots. What's not to love and dream about?

Day 1: Head into Coloma, CA

Whether you’re a California local or coming from elsewhere (San Francisco , Sacramento and Tahoe all make great  starting points), pop the town of Coloma into your GPS and head to the penultimate location for hiking, Gold Rush history, and American River whitewater trips. This area has so much to explore and is great for all kinds of adventurers. Want a good hike with some historical landmarks? Check out Stevens Trail! In need of a mellow picnic area for the whole family? Explore Sugar Pine Reservoir!

You can also snag a spot on a South Fork of the American River rafting trip, where Class III rapids like Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar are a splashy, fun way to get the adrenaline pumping and ease you into the next few days of thrilling whitewater. It only gets bigger from here!

Day 2: Middle Fork of the American River

Ready for some Class IV+ whitewater action? Yeah, that's what's happening today! The Middle Fork is no joke and neither is Tunnel Chute rapid, known worldwide as a beast that will stay in your dreams for years to come. It's basically a man-made tunnel that was created by miners who were looking for gold and had dynamite to burn. Besides the crazy Chute, you’ll also be served up an awesome riverside lunch, pristine canyon scenery, and, of course, more splashes and wild whitewater.

Day 3: Break Day/ Gold Rush Towns

It's time to crank up the tunes, get some snacks and hit the road to Mariposa! Along Highway 49 you'll pass by the towns of Sutter Creek, Angels Camp and Sonora, old Gold Rush spots that are definitely worth exploring.

The day is up to you. Stop at a few shops, sample wine from local wineries, or stop for a hike!

Day 4: Merced River Rafting

Ready for round three? Like a scene from a movie, the Merced River flows directly out of Yosemite Valley and can be one of the most fun things you've ever done, especially in spring and early summer when the Sierra snowpack is melting and the river is going off. Get ready for the Merced’s big wave action and rollercoaster rapids like Nightmare Island, Ned's Gulch, and Split Rock.

Day 5: Sunrise in Yosemite National Park

It will be worth it to hit the road before sunrise to catch Yosemite Valley in all of its glory before the mobs wake up. From there, Tioga Road is the way to go, with endless views and half the crowd.

Stretch your legs on the 6-mile Mount Hoffmann hike, which is well worth the effort. Views from the top offer up mind-blowing panoramic views from the heart of Yosemite. If you're a planner, pack a lunch or snacks and lounge at May Lake.

From there, take in the sights along Tioga Road, before heading out of the park.

Day 6 – 7: Tuolumne River

What most people don't realize about Yosemite is that there are world-class rafting opportunities literally just outside of the park. People go for the view, hikes and climbs, but Yosemite’s wilderness boasts world-class rapids nearby. For the pièce de résistance, head out on a two-day Tuolumne Rafting trip. With over 18 miles of action-packed, Class III-IV+ whitewater, complete wilderness immersion, hidden swimming holes and brilliant star-filled skies, it’s a fitting end to an adventurous California road trip.

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Header image by: Doug Reagin