Swinging Bridge

View of the Merced River and Yosemite Falls from Swinging Bridge in late summer

NPS Photo / S. Nobles

Quick Facts

Amenities

8 listed

Beach/Water Access, Grill, Picnic Table, Recycling, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Picnic tables, grills, seasonal river access, and a walking/biking path are available at this scenic spot along the Merced River with views of Yosemite Falls and the surrounding cliffs. The adjacent beach offers access to the Merced River when water levels are low. Vault toilets are available in the area. Parking is extremely limited.

Despite its name, Swinging Bridge does not swing. Multiple floods repeatedly damaged the former swinging bridge, until it was replaced with a permanently fixed bridge after the 1964 flood.

The paved pathway connects to nearby points of interest and visitor services such as Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Chapel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Lower Yosemite Fall trail.

Tips & Seasonal Information

This picnic area is open year-round.

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.

Diving or jumping from the bridge is prohibited at all times.

Yosemite Falls is a seasonal waterfall fed by snowmelt; it is usually completely dry by late summer then is sometimes revived again by late fall storms.

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 Swinging Bridge Picnic Area features accessible picnic tables with extended tops, accessible vault toilets, and grills. The picnic area is unpaved but flat. The paths leading to both the picnic area and bridge can be reached by paved, mostly flat walkways. The beach is not wheelchair accessible. Designated accessible parking spaces are available.