The Magic of Spring in Yosemite Photo Contest

Our Spring 2024 Photo Contest, The Magic of Spring in Yosemite, lets us experience the best of Yosemite through the eyes and hearts of your fellow travelers. Thank you to everyone who submitted and for the unforgettable memories behind each photo that help keep us all #YosemiteDreaming

Yosemite Winter Magic Photo Contest

Our Winter 2023-24 Photo Contest, Yosemite Winter Magic, lets us experience the best of Yosemite through the eyes and hearts of your fellow travelers.

Thank you to everyone who submitted and for the unforgettable memories behind each photo that help keep us all #YosemiteDreaming

THE WINNERS WITH THE MOST VOTES:

1st Place: Olivia S.

1st - Jumping for Joy (Olivia S. 3-19-24)

1,243 points
Jumping for Joy
Prize: 2-night stay

OS: “Thank you Rush Creek for an incredible weekend! It was my boyfriend’s first time in the park and this trip quite literally had him jumping for joy!”

RC: Thank you so much for sharing this spectacular image to our photo contest. We are so happy we could be your basecamp for your Yosemite adventure and can’t wait to welcome you back!

Runner Up: Christopher S.2nd - First Winter Snow (Christopher S. 1-5-24)

975 points
Snow Day
Prize: 1-night stay

CS: “First visit to Yosemite was snow worth it!”

RC: Love the pun, and so happy you all got to enjoy a Yosemite snow day!

Runner Up:  Haley J.3rd - Ahwahnee Fireplace (Haley J. 3-15-24)

858 points
Sitting by the Fire
Prize: 1-night stay

HJ: “our family had a great time in yosemite. we loved being able to warm up by one of the gigantic fireplaces in the Awahanee”

RC: This looks so cozy! Thank you for sharing!

SOME HONORABLE MENTIONS WE LOVED:

Sledding by Alexa A.Rush Creek Snow Play (Alexa A. 1-5-24)

AA: “We loved staying at Rush Creek because it was so close to the entrance of Yosemite and our favorite place to play in the snow!”

RC: What a blast!

 

Spa Day by Elizabeth T.Dinner at the Spa (Elizabeth T. 3-8-24)

ET: “No dinner reservation? No problem! The spa has your back. Me and my fiancé LOVE ordering food while we sit back and relax. It’s truly a wonderful experience. Plus the Food here is the BEST!”

RC: Everyone take note! This is a genius idea, and such a great tip for others.

 

Sequoia Ninjas by Kim V.Giant Sequoia Ninjas (Kim V. 12-23-23)

KV: “Tyler took us and April (Evergreen Lodge employee) to the Giant Sequoia trees where we learned a lot and practiced our Ninja warrior skills, haha!”

RC: Who knew Tyler was a ninja instructor!? He continues to surprise us with his knowledge, and we really appreciate you giving him a shoutout.

 

Firefall by Stephen W.Firefall (Stephen W. 3-5-24)

SW: “Taken on March 5, when no one was on Yosemite’s valley floor. It’s not quite “Firefall,” but the natural phenomenon continues for a few days more. No crowd, no traffic and great hotel rates including at Rush Creek, which you can get to before dark after taking a photo like this.”

RC: Thank you for sharing your beautiful Firefall image!

 

 

Winter Photo Contest: The Magic of Spring in Yosemite

RCL: Thanks for all the love everyone!

Our new contest is underway – “The Magic of Spring in Yosemite” is open to all who are dreaming of their next Yosemite visit.  If you have a favorite Yosemite image and a memory you’d like to share, feel free to join in the fun.

The Magic of Spring in Yosemite

You just might win a free stay at Rush Creek Lodge!

Book Your Next Yosemite Adventure

When you’re ready to plan your next trip, remember to check our Packages & Special Offers section for great seasonal deals and convenient bundles for a variety of occasions.   Also remember that when you book with us directly on this website, by calling us at (209) 379-2373, or emailing us at info@rushcreeklodge.com, you’re guaranteed to get the best rates and service.

Book Now

Can’t get enough of these amazing guest photos and stories?

Visit the Gallery and keep #YosemiteDreaming until we meet again.

Happy trails from your friends at Rush Creek!

The New York Times: Brides Are Trading Boozy Parties for Luxury Wellness Retreats

By Ivy Manners, March 30, 2024

The bachelorette party is getting a spa makeover, with many brides-to-be now opting for more tranquil settings.

Teeona Breon, 28, picked Rush Creek Lodge & Spa in Groveland, Calif., to celebrate her bachelorette party in July 2022 with her five bridesmaids. She was drawn to both the look of the lodge and the access to nearby Yosemite National Park.

“I’m not one to gravitate toward the bachelorette drinking and party scene because I like to prioritize my mental and physical well-being, so it was the perfect setting to allow me to indulge in that,” said Ms. Breon, a landscaping and design plant technician based in State College, Pa.

During the four-day trip, she and her bridesmaids spent time hiking and “taking in nature, while also finding moments for serenity and rejuvenation.”

Wellness-focused parties have become more than the typical pre-wedding spa day. Many brides are now looking to take longer trips to spa resorts, often near outdoor destinations.

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The New York Times Article Image

510 Families: The Ultimate Guide to Weekend Getaways For Bay Area Families

By Clara Hogan, February 29, 2024

Yosemite is a classic family destination, and hands down, Rush Creek Lodge is one of the most family-friendly hotels near the national park (and, honestly, even the state of California). Kids will love the large playroom (which has a large climbing structure and games), outdoor playground (featuring slides and swings), on-site trails, kids’ activity programming, and heated pool year-round. The hotel even lets families use the spa during the morning hours—something I’ve never heard of before.

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SF Gate: When bad weather hits, Yosemite’s storm chasers head to the park

By Ashley Harrell, March 4, 2024

Over the weekend at Rush Creek Lodge and Spa, some guests actually extended their stays to experience the magic of the snowfall firsthand, according to Teri Marshall, director of marketing and communications.

“Some of the best feedback we get all year is from guests who hunker down with us during a snowstorm,” Marshall says. “Between the cozy fires, hot toddies, games and socializing, guests are surprised to find it’s one of the best vacations ever.”

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Valley View Winter (Tyler Glass)

Organic Spa Magazine: Rush Creek Lodge

By Keri Bridgwater, February 26, 2024

Home to a trio of hiking and biking trails, a guest lounge and an all-day restaurant, the biggest draw at Rush Creek is undoubtedly its 5,000-square-foot spa. Surrounded by towering pine trees, the indoor/outdoor space pays homage to the natural beauty of the beloved national park. In fact, just being here feels akin to forest bathing. Stone, wood and water are incorporated across amenities and relate to Yosemite in some way – from the restorative warm waterfall cove and a cool mist shower (inspired by local favorite hiking spot, Carlon Falls) to a granite waterfall mineral hot tub and warm river rock beds in the lovely covered outdoor lounge area.

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Rush Creek Pool in Winter (Kim Carroll)

Golden Gate: Playing with Light: Here’s How to See Yosemite’s Firefall Now

By Jennie Nunn, February 21, 2024

There’s a lot to be said for being in exactly the right place at the right time. In the case of Yosemite National Park’s rare natural phenomenon, Firefall, it’s everything. It’s no surprise the two-week annual spectacle at Horsetail Fall caused by sunlight hitting the waterfall at precisely the right moment—happening now through February 25th—has attracted renowned photographers, nature enthusiasts and throngs of visitors from around the globe. If you plan on attempting to get in on the action (pending perfect weather conditions), here’s what you need to know.

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