Exclusive YOsemite Fall savings
The Sooner You Book, The More You Save!
Fall is a favorite time of year in Yosemite for visitors who like to experience crisp, clean air, colorful displays of changing leaves, and quiet moments on the roads and trails throughout the region.
Keep scrolling for an ideal Yosemite Fall itinerary filled with local insights, or check out our latest blog post on Yosemite Fall Travel Trends!
You’re also welcome to call (209)379-2373 or email us at [email protected] for local assistance with reservations and trip planning advice.
Reset in Yosemite
Yosemite is the perfect place to hit the reset button. Fall is one of the most peaceful times of year in Yosemite. You can often feel like you have the park all to yourself. With both the Merced and Tuolumne Groves of Giant Sequoias just a few minutes drive from the lodge, it’s easy to find serenity and peace of mind on any trail. Or visit the lesser-traveled section of Yosemite National Park, Hetch Hetchy, to hike along the reservoir to Wapama Falls to drink in more of nature’s refreshing qualities.
And of course, our friendly Recreation team is here to help you find the way. Whether you’d like to explore on your own or try one of our entertaining and informative professionally guided adventures, our team is ready to help. Consider us your backstage pass to Yosemite!
Relax at Rush Creek
Take it easy by the fire in our cozy Guest Lounge, play around in our Game Room, or hang out and keep an eye on sports on the big screens in Rush Creek’s Tavern.
Our heated saltwater pool is open year-round unless of course, Mother Nature tells us otherwise. Watching the sunset from the comfort of our saltwater hot tub is a guest favorite! Don’t forget our daily activities, including our nightly tradition of roasting s’mores by the outdoor fire.
At our new Spa, you have access to massage treatments and options for Private Day Use of the innovative amenities inspired by Yosemite’s natural elements. You’ll be sure to return from your Yosemite adventure refreshed and ready for whatever daily life may throw at you.
It’s Easy, We Promise.
You don’t need any special booking code to redeem this discounted rate.
Selecting the Book Now button above or below, enter your dates and you’ll see the Best Available Rate which includes any available discounts.
The usual terms apply…the discount may not be combined with other offers, has no cash value, is subject to availability, and not valid for groups of 10 or more.
Discounts vary based on the room type selected, and those who book earliest get the biggest discounts – as we start filling up, the discounts dwindle.
You can also call us at (209)379-2373 or email us at [email protected] for answers to questions or to make your reservation.
By the way, our sister property, the Evergreen Lodge, also has Yosemite Fall discounts and is an equally great base camp for an awesome vacation. They’re just down the road near the Hetch Hetchy entrance to Yosemite National Park. Click here for Evergreen Lodge details…
The Ideal Yosemite Fall Road Trip
DAY 1: FUN AT THE LODGE
With your scenic drive to Yosemite in the rearview mirror, it’s time to settle in at the lodge and let the good times roll! Visit our recreation deck for insider tips on where to find the best fall color.
Nature Trails
Stretch your legs on one of our 3 Hiking Trails in the forest adjacent to Rush Creek. The Nature Trail, The Vista Trail, and The Adventure Trail offer something memorable for all ability levels, including fresh mountain air and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Pool Time
Our heated saltwater swimming pools and hot tubs are open all year long. Warm-up and relax while stargazing amongst cozy fire pits surrounding the entire Pool Area.
Dinner
Belly up to the bar, cozy up in your own booth, make new friends at the communal table, or hang out on the terrace overlooking the pool area. The big screens at the Tavern are your connection to sports broadcasts throughout the year. The Tavern is also your friendly hub for late-night entertainment, including themed parties, karaoke, and all sorts of fun that you just won’t find at most Yosemite restaurants. We don’t mind telling you that we’re proud of our selection of local craft brews, and our signature cocktails and desserts that change with the seasons are memorable and delicious.
S’mores & Stargazing
As the sun begins to set, enjoy our nightly tradition of complimentary s’mores by our outdoor fire pits, and watch the night sky begin to reveal a spectacular display of stars, unlike anything you’ll ever see among bright city lights.
DAY 2: YOSEMITE VALLEY OR HIGH COUNTRY
Time to explore the wide-open spaces of Yosemite!
Breakfast
Fuel up for the day’s adventures with a hearty mountain breakfast from our Restaurant served in our outdoor dining areas. Then head over to our General Store to pack your trail lunch for the day with our freshly-made sandwiches and wraps, delicious salad medleys, and other tasty provisions.
Yosemite Valley or High Country
These days you have several different options for entering one of the most iconic areas of Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Valley.
Note: Tioga Pass likely to close late fall/early winter due to weather conditions.
- Participate in one of our partial or full-day excursions, all with guaranteed Park entry. See the wide array of tours, hikes, and other adventures in our online trip planner at www.RushCreekLodge.com/Explore or email our Recreation Desk at [email protected]
- Drive your own vehicle, but be sure to leave before 10 am to avoid traffic
Our expert Recreation Guides recommend the High Country Naturalist Tour, Mono Pass Hike and the Glen Aulin Hike for amazing fall foliage views. You can reserve one of these guided excursions with them here.
If you’ve already been to Yosemite Valley and would like to visit the pristine and magnificent Yosemite High Country and Tuolumne Meadows, you can join one of our professionally guided adventures, or stop by our Recreation Desk to help plan your ideal setting.
Fun at the Lodge
After an amazing day exploring Yosemite, enjoy let the fun continue at the lodge. Let your competitive side out with our wide array of outdoor games like shuffleboard, table tennis, giant connect four, bocce ball, and more. Or maybe you’d like to indulge in a massage to soothe your muscles so you’ll be ready for your next day of adventures.
Dinner
Rush Creek’s culinary team continues to serve delicious menu items you can enjoy in any of our outdoor dining areas or back at your room in the privacy of your own deck. The kitchen is buzzing with energy, putting out amazing dishes to end your day on a high note with freshly prepared items like our Grilled King Salmon with Bok Choy, Soy Glazed Shiitake Mushrooms and Yuzu Ginger Butter. Believe it or not, our Crispy Fried Cauliflower with Sweet Chili Sauce and Sesame Seeds turned out to be a hit!
Chose the restaurant or keep it casual at the tavern.
S’mores & Stargazing
Individually packaged s’mores await you to end your day in Yosemite in the sweetest way possible. Once the sun sets, our heated saltwater pool is the perfect place for stargazing with an unobstructed view of the night sky. Insider Tip: Check in with the Recreation Team to see which stars or planets are particularly visible during your visit.
Relax and Unwind
Pamper yourself after your Yosemite adventures and indulge in the 5,000 square foot Rush Creek Spa. Imagination has taken form with Warm Waterfall Coves, Aromatherapy Steam Room, and Himalayan Salt Sauna leading to a Cool Mist Room and an innovative Sensory Room that will genuinely transform you. Our indoor/outdoor spa is filled with innovative elements inspired by the natural beauty and power of Yosemite, with our signature spa treatments integrating a combination of stone, sound, scent, and warmth.
DAY 3: YOSEMITE’S HETCH HETCHY RESERVOIR
After a refreshing night’s sleep, get excited to begin the journey to a lesser-traveled part of Yosemite, the Hetch Hetchy region.
Breakfast
Our General Store is brewing up your favorite coffee order along with seasonal specials to get you energized for your day of hiking and exploring. From freshly-made yogurt parfaits to house-made breakfast burritos and coffee cakes, we’ve got all your favorite grab-and-go breakfast fixings to make even the pickiest of eaters satisfied.
Hetch Hetchy Day Hike
Hetch Hetchy is one of Yosemite’s hidden gems, offering a variety of options from easy day hikes to strenuous backpacking excursions. The easy 2.5 miles (each way) trail to Wapama Falls is a favorite for adults and children alike. This trail, which runs through a rock tunnel and then along the north side of the reservoir, allows visitors to experience the true power and majesty of the Hetch Hetchy waterfalls.
Evergreen Lodge
On your way back to Rush Creek, you’ll pass through the historic Evergreen Lodge, stop in their General Store for snacks and beverages as a tasty way to round out your afternoon. You’re welcome to wander freely and play around – try out the new Forest Disc Golf Course!
Dinner
We know firsthand how Yosemite activities create robust appetites, and the culinary team at Rush Creek Lodge is eager to satisfy your hunger and tempt your taste buds with fresh and hearty California mountain lodge cuisine. Tonight is your night to fill up on favorite seasonal menu items and maybe try something unexpected like our Cioppino or Thai Coconut Curry Veggies.
Evening Activities
By now you’ve fallen in love with your favorite Rush Creek activities, but why not try something new to wrap up your time with us with an activity you can put on your shelf and be reminded of forever! Seasonal Glassblowing with our resident expert or having a Paint Party is a great way to close out your time with us and the best part is, you get to take your creation home with you!
DAY 4: CARLON FALLS DAY HIKE
Explore like a local on your last morning with us at Carlon Falls, just a few miles down the road, and a local favorite.
Breakfast
After you’ve grabbed one of your favorite hot breakfast items or your usual coffee order from our General Store, you’ll be ready to squeeze in one last hike.
Carlon Falls
Once on the trail, you’ll actually be walking right into Yosemite National Park, making this a true hidden treasure that few Yosemite visitors ever see. You can choose to do a short and easy 1-hour walk along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. The trail follows the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, taking you through a variety of lush foliage, pools, and cascading falls.
On the Road Again…
If you’re leaving Rush Creek Lodge using Highway 120 West, you’ll pass through the charming Old West town of Groveland. You may want to stop by a locally loved coffee shop, Mountain Sage Coffee & Nursery, where you can sip on lovingly prepared beverages and home-baked goods in their enchanting gardens. You’ll also love the art gallery featuring incredible images and stories created by local photographer, naturalist, and all-around great guy, Robb Hirsch, who also leads our photography workshops in Yosemite.