01
Easiest access from campus
Lake Yosemite Recreation Area
North Of Campus Along Lake Road • Lakeside Park With Easy Shoreline Paths • Closest To Campus
A laid-back waterfront spot just minutes from UC Merced, with flat paths and big-sky views over the lake.
If you want a quick walk without leaving town, Lake Yosemite is the go-to. Short dirt and paved paths trace the shoreline, making it easy to log a mellow loop or wander out to watch the sunset over the water. It can get breezy, so bring a layer if you are staying to watch the light change on the foothills.
02
Best for nature and ecology
UC Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve
On The Uc Merced Campus Edge • Protected Grassland And Vernal Pool Landscape • Best For Wildflowers And Birds
Seasonal trails and guided walks through rolling grasslands dotted with vernal pools and wide-horizon views.
This campus-adjacent reserve gives you a feel for the original Central Valley landscape, with open grasslands, subtle ridges, and seasonal ponds. In late winter and spring, wildflowers and migrating birds make even short hikes feel special. Access is often managed through organized walks or designated routes, so check how to visit before you head out.
03
Best river walk
Merced River Trail at Briceburg
Along Highway 140 Toward Yosemite • Riverside Canyon Trail On An Old Rail Grade • Spring And Fall Favorite
A scenic, mostly gentle trail that follows the Merced River through a steep granite canyon, great for cooler-season hikes.
Starting near the small riverside outpost of Briceburg, this trail tracks an old railroad grade along the Merced River. The walking is generally straightforward, with constant river views, rocky slopes above, and plenty of spots to stop and sit by the water. Go in spring for green hills and flowing rapids, or in fall for quieter days and softer light in the canyon.
04
Iconic day trip
Yosemite Valley Day Hikes
Yosemite National Park • Classic Granite Valley With Well-Marked Trails • Bucket-List Day Trip
World-famous day hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints in Yosemite Valley, reachable from Merced as a long but doable day outing.
When you have a full day, heading up to Yosemite Valley turns hiking into a big adventure. Well-signed trails range from easy walks to Lower Yosemite Fall and Mirror Lake to more strenuous climbs on the Mist Trail toward Vernal and Nevada Falls. Start early to beat the crowds and give yourself time to linger at viewpoints without worrying about the drive back to Merced.
05
Best for wide-open vistas
Pacheco State Park
Hill Country Near San Luis Reservoir • Windy Ridgeline And Ranchland Trails • Quiet Hill-Country Escape
Rolling ranchland ridges with big views, wind turbines on the skyline, and a network of dirt trails for longer hikes.
West of Merced, this under-the-radar state park trades forests and rivers for open hills, old ranch roads, and long sightlines. Trails climb to breezy ridges where you can see the Coast Ranges, the reservoir, and, on clear days, the distant Sierra. It is an excellent choice when you want a longer, more remote-feeling hike without the full commitment of a Yosemite trip.