World class. Action Packed. Totally Remote. Located just west of Yosemite, the Tuolumne—or the “T” to river rats—runs 18.6 miles through virgin wilderness with no road access. Its Class IV-to-V churning rapids give whitewater lovers one raw and rugged ride. Part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, this expedition is so prized that rafting permits are limited to two outfitters with a maximum of 22 clients per day. The Tuolumne offers little downtime: You’re immediately thrust into a steep, secluded river canyon and greeted by Rock Garden and Ram's Head, just two sets in a series of long and thrilling rapids. Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions are the river guides to call. You’ll set off with all the gear you need to navigate famed chutes and rapids like Evangelist, Steamboat, Hell’s Kitchen, and the heart-pounding Clavey Falls. This year, because maintenance requires the lowering of upstream reservoirs, the T will offer the best wilderness Class IV rapids in all of California—excellent flows until at least Labor Day, maybe beyond.

BONUS: If you have a chance, take a side trip up Tuolumne’s North Fork to its hidden swimming-hole oasis with a natural waterslide.

Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions, (800) 431-3636. Weekend one-day trips starting at $225 per person; two days from $430 per person.