Place

Cathedral Beach Picnic Area

A giant granite monolith looms over trees, a river, and a sandy beach
Cathedral Beach in late summer

NPS Photo / S. Nobles

Quick Facts

Beach/Water Access, Grill, Picnic Table, Recycling, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Picnic tables and grills are available at this scenic spot along the Merced River. The adjacent beach offers remarkable views of El Capitan as well as access to the Merced River when water levels are low. Vault toilets are available in the area.

Tips & Seasonal Information

This picnic area is open year-round from dawn to dusk.

Swift-moving, cold water is very dangerous and even deadly. Anytime the river is flowing strongly, such as in spring, stay away from the water.

Wildlife Safety

  • Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you.
  • Never feed wild animals.
  • Dispose of trash in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters.
  • While enjoying your picnic, keep your food, trash, and other scented items within arm's reach.
  • If a bear approaches, yell as loudly as possible to scare the bear away.

Accessibility

The road and footpaths within the Cathedral Beach area are unpaved with irregular surfaces. The Cathedral Beach Picnic Area features wheelchair-accessible picnic tables with extended tops, accessible restrooms, and grills. 

Yosemite National Park

Tags

Last updated: August 29, 2025