Swinging Bridge, Pedestrian bridge in Yosemite Valley, United States.

Swinging Bridge is a footbridge crossing the Merced River near Yosemite Valley Lodge in California. From its platform, visitors see Yosemite Falls and Sentinel Rock, two of the valley's most recognizable features.

The original structure before 1965 swayed side to side over the water, requiring visitors to hold tightly to the railings. The modern reinforced design was developed to withstand extreme conditions, including the severe floods of 1997.

The name comes from the original bridge, which swayed underfoot; the current span, rebuilt after the 1997 flood, no longer swings. It is a short walk from Yosemite Valley Lodge, and visitors stop on it to photograph Yosemite Falls and Sentinel Rock reflected in the Merced River.

The bridge carries pedestrians only and sits near Yosemite Valley Lodge, so it is reached on foot or by the valley shuttle rather than by car. Spring runoff makes the Merced River run high and fast beneath the deck, and the crossing is exposed to sun and spray, so footing can be wet.

The name comes from the pre-1965 span, which swayed so much that walkers gripped the railings. The replacement was built to hold against extreme conditions, including the floods of 1997. The bridge stands near Yosemite Valley Lodge, and its platform frames Yosemite Falls and Sentinel Rock.