Things to Do
Rush Creek Lodge is a nice place to spend time with family and friends. It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and has a heated outdoor pool, hot tubs and a smores fire pit happy hour in addition to a full service spa. Indoor lounge areas and awesome indoor and outdoor play spaces for the kiddos(Built by our amazing friends Andy and Sabrina Nickell). Outside of Shindig time, we invite you to grab a beverage from the Tavern or snack from the store and spend some time relaxing with us. Or...go check Yosemite off your list! We will take no offense!
Visit Yosemite National Park
Rush Creek Lodge is 1 mile from the Western Entrance (Big Oak Flat Road) to Yosemite. The National Park Service will no longer be requiring vehicle reservations to enter the park in 2023.
However, early to mid-Feb is host to the Annual Firefall Event. Horsetail Fall can glow orange when it's backlit by sunset, which can make it appear to be on fire. This unique lighting effect happens only on evenings with a clear sky when the waterfall is flowing and when the sun is at the right angle in mid– to late February. This event attracts many visitors to a small area, causing traffic congestion, parking issues, safety concerns, and impacts to natural and cultural resources. In order to manage this event, a reservation will be required to enter Yosemite National Park on the weekends of February 10–12, February 17–19, and February 24–26, 2023, even for those not visiting Horsetail Fall. Visitors who first arrive Mondays through Thursdays won't need a reservation. The $35/car entrance fee is valid for entry for seven days, regardless of day of arrival.  Tip: purchase 7 day pass at gate on Thurs...you wont need a res.
This time of year is known for fewer visitors, beautiful snowscapes and ice skating near Curry Village. The valley floor is less than 30 minutes from the gate. Rush Creek Lodge has a great concierge desk and has offered seasonal tours in the past. Always check the weather. CA Law - Mountain travelers - all vehicles must carry chains Nov 1 - April 1st.
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Visit Groveland!
The town of Groveland, Amber's stomping grounds, is approximately 25 minutes 'down the hill' from Rush Creek Lodge. Check out the oldest operating Saloon in California, grab a scoop or two of homemade ice cream at the Grove Mercantile or drop in for a beer at Around the Horn Brewery in Big Oak Flat. The Groveland Hotel and Hotel Charlotte (offering libations and dinner as well) are additional affordable lodging accommodations among others.