Yosemite is a spectacular wilderness that was millions of years in the making. Its many parts are still constantly in motion throughout the seasons. Whether your ideal Yosemite experience requires modern creature comforts, or you fancy yourself a modern-day adventurer, a little preparation can go a long way. From seasonal adventure gear rentals to superb mountain dining, we’ve thought of everything to make your time with us the ideal Yosemite getaway. We welcome your input at [email protected] as we strive to help everyone make the best plans possible for their ultimate Yosemite experience.

Enhanced Clean & Safe Program

Same warm hospitality, new safety practices Times are changing, but Yosemite is still here for you, and so are we. While the ways in which you enjoy our wonderful lodge and amenities will be a little different this year, our new Clean & Safe program is designed to give you the peace of mind you need to relax and fully enjoy your Yosemite adventure. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT We have put in place a broad array of enhanced safety and health practices to ensure everyone has a fantastic experience with us in a safe, clean ‘home…
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Electric Vehicle Charging

YOSEMITE CHARGING STATION ChargePoint electric car chargers are available onsite.  ChargePoint is an independent company that has built the largest car charging network in the country.  We are not involved in providing this service or setting pricing, and do not profit from car charging fees. For more info on charging with ChargePoint, please visit www.chargepoint.com.  Access to the charging stations are available through our friendly front desk team.
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Travel Updates Winter 2024

Updated April 10, 2024,  10:00 am Yosemite National Park is open. The Lodge is Open and all amenities are available including our heated saltwater pool and hot tubs, daily fireside s’mores and more! Yosemite is piloting a “Peak Hours Plus” vehicle reservation system for park entry on select days, for those driving into or through Yosemite National Park between 5 am and 4 pm.  April 13 – June 30: weekends and holidays, 5am – 4pm July 1 – August 16: daily, 5am – 4pm August 17 – October 27: weekends and holidays, 5am – 4pm Details…
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No Pass? No Problem!

Updated December 9th, 2021 4:00pm Visit our Travel Updates Page for the latest updates. At this time we do not know if Day Use Entry Tickets will be needed for the Summer 2022 season. If you like to prepare for all the possibilities, here’s what we learned from last year’s program on how you can access the park. If no Day Use Entry Tickets are required this Summer, keep scrolling for our insider tips on how to enjoy Yosemite like a local… Insider Tips on Yosemite Day Use Options TOP 4 WAYS TO VISIT YOSEMITE WITHOUT…
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Yosemite Overview

Yosemite National Park is one of the most spectacular places on Earth and is a nature-lover’s paradise. Yosemite offers a diverse landscape filled with rivers, glacial carved valleys, picturesque alpine meadows and peaks, several of the world’s highest and most spectacular waterfalls, and the world’s largest trees and tallest granite walls. There is much to see in Yosemite, and for those willing to seek out the paths less traveled, some particularly amazing discoveries and experiences await. To truly appreciate what Yosemite has to offer, we recommend spending at least three days exploring the Park. While the…
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Hetch Hetchy Valley

Hetch Hetchy Valley Overview The Hetch Hetchy Valley is one of Yosemite’s hidden jewels. Formed millions of years ago by water and glacial erosion, this stunning valley (half the size of Yosemite Valley) was described by naturalist John Muir as “a grand landscape garden, one of Nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.” Hetch Hetchy has always been overshadowed by its twin sister, Yosemite Valley. We like it that way since the Hetch Hetchy area remains a serene and uncrowded oasis. Visitors are constantly surprised and impressed by the beauty of Hetch Hetchy. And since Hetch…
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Rush Creek Lodge Location

We are blessed with a truly magical and convenient location to enjoy all of Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest. Rush Creek Lodge sits just half a mile from the Park’s Highway 120 west entrance, providing an ideal launching point for exploration into all parts of Yosemite.  Our Yosemite resort is a 3 hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area along scenic Highway 120, the most direct route to Yosemite from the Bay Area, offering year-round access to the Park. Rush Creek is also situated 7 miles from its sister property, the…
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Yosemite Weather & Seasonal Conditions

Yosemite is a remarkable place with picture-perfect weather nearly 9 months a year. Most days are bright and sunny with cool, comfortable (and, at times, crisp) evenings. Thanks to the generosity of the Yosemite Conservancy and their donors, we can see El Capitan, Half Dome, the High Country, and Yosemite Falls in real time. Keep in mind that Rush Creek Lodge is at an elevation that is 600 feet higher than the Yosemite Valley, so the temperature tends to be a few degrees cooler at the lodge. Spring is a time of transition with booming waterfalls…
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Directions & Transportation

Travel Updates and Yosemite National Park Access Rush Creek Lodge is easy to find, situated just half a mile from the Park’s Highway 120 west entrance, providing an ideal launching point for exploration into all parts of Yosemite.  Our Yosemite resort is a 3-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area along scenic Highway 120, the most direct route to Yosemite from the Bay Area, offering year-round access to the Park. This highway offers convenient access to the lodge from all parts of California. Highway 120 also offers easy access to Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows and…
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Know Before You Go

The National Park Service website for Yosemite, www.nps.gov/yos, is a very thorough resource. In addition to a wealth of information about the Park and advice for planning your visit, this web site is your go-to spot for the most current updates on changing conditions in the park. If summiting Half Dome is on your wish list, go here for the latest information on Half Dome permits and other helpful input. Keep in mind that Rush Creek Lodge is at an elevation that is 600 feet higher than the Yosemite Valley, so the temperature tends to be…
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Pet Policy

While we are all pet lovers at Rush Creek, pets (other than registered service animals) are not allowed in or around guest rooms, in vehicles or on property. The lodge is not a self-contained property; it is set in the woods with no fences, which translates to high potential for conflicts with forest animals (bears, deer, squirrels, etc.) that are unsafe. Neighboring properties have experienced devastating consequences from pets chasing deer and other animals into the woods and onto the highway. Pets are easily riled by forest animals, which creates disturbances for other guests. They also…
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What to Bring

There are a few essentials that make for a more enjoyable Yosemite getaway, and your needs will vary depending on how adventurous you would like to be when you’re here.  Whenever you are on a road trip through the great outdoors it’s best to carry plenty of drinking water and snacks and keep your gas tank topped off for those long stretches of scenic roads. The closest gasoline to the west of Rush Creek Lodge can be found at the Yosemite Lakes Country Store & Gas Station 4 miles away. After that, more gas stations can…
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