Cathedral Beach

Cathedral Beach is a forested day-use picnic area beside the Merced River, with a sandy, pebbly bank and a view of El Capitan across the water. It is a place to slow down, eat outside and sit by the river, with shaded tables in the trees and paths down to the shore.

Look for the access road off eastbound Southside Drive, several miles east of Bridalveil Fall. The road drops to a dirt circular parking area; tables and grills sit around its edge, and vault toilets are available. The park lists accessible tables, toilets and grills, but the road and footpaths are unpaved and uneven, and there are no designated accessible parking spaces. Parking is limited, so an earlier visit gives you a better chance of finding a space. Bring food; this is a picnic area, not a food-service stop.

How much beach is exposed depends on the river level. In spring and during strong flow, the Merced is cold and swift enough to be deadly; admire it from shore and stay out of the water. At lower water, more of the shore is exposed, and the reflections make a distinctive photo: include the near bank and cliff instead of cropping to rock alone.