Scary Mommy: Best Kid-Friendly Places To Travel On The West Coast This Winter
For those families who don’t really “do” camping, especially when it’s nippy, Yosemite has a host of resorts like Rush Creek Lodge which boasts a kid-friendly vibe…
L.A. Family Travel: Rush Creek Lodge and Spa
My oldest son and I visited Rush Creek Lodge & Spa in Yosemite in late March for his birthday. He was turning 14! As an avid adventurer, mountain biker, and budding photographer, this trip was the ultimate birthday present.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Budget Savvy Bride: Gorgeous California Wedding Venues that Prioritize Sustainability, Wellness, and Community
Enjoy the beauty of Yosemite National Park while being pampered at Rush Creek Lodge. This contemporary mountain lodge is on a 20-acre wooded hillside outside the park’s west entrance. Say “I do” among the towering redwoods and take wedding photos to cherish forever of popping champagne with the iconic valley backdrop.
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.
510 Families: The Ultimate Guide to Weekend Getaways For Bay Area Families
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).
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.”
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.
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.
Yosemite Fall Colors Photo Contest 2023
Our Fall 2023 Photo Contest, Yosemite Fall Colors, 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.
4,084 points
Sunrise from Glacier Point
Prize: 2-night stay
OS: “Spectacular morning at Glacier Point in late September. First time in the park did not disappoint!”
RC: The saying always holds true that the early bird catches the worm. In this case the worm being this view!
Runner Up: Eric M.
1,106 points
Jack the Rush Creek Ranger
Prize: 1-night stay
EM: “Jack is my service dog, but he’s also a local guide and certified junior explorer! He was ready to show other guests around Rush Creek Lodge & Spa while we were there. He highly recommends the roasted marshmallows while warming up next to the fire pits.”
RC: What a privilege it was to meet a certified junior explorer. He can now add a Rush Creek Ranger badge to his vest!
While we are all pet lovers at Rush Creek, we only allow registered service animals (like Jack!) in or around guest rooms, in vehicles or on property.
Runner Up: Jacob A.
850 points
Sierra Sunset
Prize: 1-night stay
JA: “Sunset on last day of family trip”
RC: Nothing beats a Sierra sunset. Thank you so much for sharing!
SOME HONORABLE MENTIONS WE LOVED:
Best Friends by Alexis P.
AP: “Having fun at rush creek lodge with my Bestfriend”
RC: It makes us so happy seeing two friends making life-long memories here at Rush Creek, and we love the matching outfits!
Happy! Happy! Happy! by Aimee R.
AR: “We had so much fun at the lodge and at Yosemite! The lodge is a gem. We loved the s’mores, the hot tub, play ground and the game room. Can’t wait to return.”
RC: Thank you for sharing this contagious smile!
Overlooking Yosemite Valley by Joshua A.
JA: “It wasn’t just a nice place to stay, it was an experience. The focus on pure family fun was evident in the amenities AND daily activities.”
RC: Thank you for letting us be your basecamp for epic Yosemite adventures!
Just Hanging Out by Jameson M.
JM: “I know it’s not obvious but both of our kids had a BLAST at the hotel. 😂 My husband and I actually had long overdue, mini date nights playing shuffle board and cornhole while the little ones played happily nearby.”
RC: We love hearing how much fun you and your kids had, and hope you were all shuffleboard champs by the end!
Winter Photo Contest: Yosemite Winter Magic
RCL: Thanks for all the love everyone!
Our new contest is underway – “Yosemite Winter Magic” 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.
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.
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!