Driving Directions
Note - Even Google Maps messes up Going to Groveland
DO NOT USE APPLE MAPS - their navigation model has bigger flaws in this area.
Turn by Turn notes Below. Please note that Traffic flows into the Bay Area each morning at out at the end of the work day, over the Altimont Pass (i-580) east of Livermore. Plan to add 2 hours if you are traveling to or from SFO airport during peak commuter times. Additionally, leaving the Bay Area on a Friday Afternoon prior to a holiday weekend, has increased drive times to Groveland/Rush Creek by 2 hours or more. Something to think about. Sacramento International (SMF) is another option, with likely less severe traffic congestion. Both Routes without traffic, take about 2.5 -3 hours without stopping.
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Google Maps will default to sending you up "the hill",10 or so miles before Groveland, via New Priest Grade. This route is longer, has more curves and slower trucks/RVs, but is less steep. You can opt for the original Stagecoach road, old highway 120 "Old Priest Grade". If you opt for Old Priest Grade, note the yield sign at the top, and follow signs toward Yosemite. Priest Station Cafe will be at your right - great place to grab breakfast lunch or dinner with a bit of history. Fuel up in Big Oak Flat at the Kwik Serve aka 'Miners Mart', or Claim Jumper. There is no Gas In Groveland! Fuel in Hardin Flat, a couple miles before Rush Creek is usually very pricey. Big Oak Flat Kwik Serve charges the same rate as the Kwik Serve in Escalon (east of Manteca).
Navigation Tips
Navigation Systems Warning:
Please note that GPS navigation systems (often found in rental cars) and online sites such as MapQuest and Google Maps can be unreliable in our area. If you have any questions about the best route to the Rush Creek Lodge, please see the directions below or call/email us before your trip. We wouldn't want you to get lost or waste valuable vacation time trying to find us!
From the San Francisco Bay Area:
From downtown San Francisco, take I-80 East across the Bay Bridge. After the bridge, merge onto I-580 East. Continue for about 45 miles then merge onto I-205 East towards Tracy/Stockton. At the junction of I-205 East and I-5 North, take CA-120 East and follow signs to Manteca. At Manteca, take CA-99 North and exit immediately to stay on CA-120 East. Continue on CA-120 East to Oakdale (note that CA-120 makes a left-hand turn in the middle of Oakdale). 26 miles beyond Oakdale, turn right at Yosemite Junction and continue on CA-120 East through Groveland. 22.5 miles beyond Groveland, Rush Creek Lodge is on the right.
From the Sacramento Area:
Take CA-99 South. Take Highway 4 East from 99 South, in Stockton to Copperopolis. In Copper take O'Byrnes Ferry Road past Lake Tulloch to reach highway 108/120. Turn left (east) on 108/120, and 1 mile later, turn right at Yosemite Junction to take 120E, following signs to Yosemite.
From Redding (Northern California):
Take I-5 South to Sacramento and jump over to 99 S when going through downtown Sac. Continue on 99 South to Stockton, Exit onto 4 East and begin referencing the Sacramento directions above.
From the Los Angeles (or Fresno) Area:
Take CA-99 North to Merced. Exit 16th Street, turn right on G Street. Follow G Street north out of Merced, as it becomes Snelling Road. In Snelling at the T intersection, Turn right. Mind the Speed limit in Snelling! After passing through Snelling, Turn left on La Grange Rd (J59). Continue on J59, continuing straight/passing 132 in La Grange. Continue north on J59 to make a right on Red Hills Road. Follow Red Hills Road into Chinese Camp and turn right on CA-120 East. Continue on toward Groveland/Yosemite. Other navigational systems may say to take Highway 132 or Bonds Flat Road through Coulterville, from J59 - these routes are not recommended!
Seasonal Closure of Tioga Pass:
Please note that Tioga Pass, located on CA-120 on the EAST SIDE of Yosemite National Park (near the Nevada border) closes each winter. While closing and opening dates vary from year to year, Tioga Pass typically closes in mid to late November and reopens in mid May. This closure does not affect travelers coming from the west (e.g. Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento, etc.). During winter months, guests traveling from the east side of the Sierras will need to cross the mountains either north or south of the Park.
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Winter Driving Information
The road leading to the Lodge is usually snow free and dry and is plowed as necessary (usually by mid-morning) after snowfalls. We recommend that you carry chains with you throughout the winter and be aware of icy spots that are difficult to see.
Please note that at times there are chain restrictions as you enter Yosemite National Park. You are required to carry chains for your vehicle when you enter a chain control area, even if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
If planning to visit Yosemite, for the latest road conditions in Yosemite National Park, call (209) 372-0200, then select option 1 twice.
Here is a list of explanations for the chain control codes used by the National Park Service.
• R0 - No chains required
• R1 - All Vehicles are required to carry tire chains
• R2 - Tire chains required for all vehicles unless they have snow tires and 4-wheel drive Chains are required for all vehicles unless they have snow tires on all four wheels and the vehicle is engaged in 4-wheel drive. This applies to all 4-wheel drive passenger vehicles with an unladen weight of less than 6500 lbs
• R3 - Tire chains are required ON ALL vehicles with no exceptions