Author: evrgrnheadless

Yosemite National Park is a natural wonderland that beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike. Maximize your time in the park and your stay at Rush Creek Lodge with this Yosemite 3 day itinerary. 

Pre-Trip Planning

Rush Creek Lodge is conveniently located off Highway 120, the main route into Yosemite from the west. Most visitors drive into the area. 

Rush Creek Lodge also serves seasonally as a YARTS stop, a shuttle service available from May 15 through September 29. YARTS passengers are exempt from any seasonal park reservation restrictions and park entry fees. The buses are clean and comfortable motorcoaches that afford you excellent views on the scenic ride into Yosemite Valley. Adult fares are just $16 round trip, and an accompanying child 5 years or younger rides along for free!

If you prefer to drive your own vehicle, Yosemite National Park charges an entry fee. Additionally, you’ll need a Peak Hour day-use reservation to drive your own vehicle into the park during peak seasons. Always check the National Park Service’s website while you plan your trip and frequently before you visit for the most up-to-date information about passes and fees, temporary road closures, and more.

Best Time to Visit Yosemite

Each season in Yosemite offers a unique charm. Check our detailed guide about the best times to visit Yosemite depending on your desired itinerary and bucket list activities. 

Yosemite Packing Essentials

Depending on when you visit Yosemite National Park, your essential Yosemite gear will vary, aside from the basics like comfortable hiking boots/shoes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and reliable navigation methods.  

Day 1: Yosemite Valley Immersion

Morning:

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at Rush Creek Lodge Restaurant.

Join the Yosemite Valley Explorer excursion (ages 4 and up), a guided tour that takes you to the valley’s iconic landmarks, including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.

Afternoon and Evening: 

Return to Rush Creek Lodge to refresh by the pool or relax your muscles in the hot tub.

Savor dinner at the Restaurant or Tavern with your group and rehash your favorite parts of your first day in Yosemite.

After dark, join a guided stargazing tour (weather permitting) or gather around the campfire at Rush Creek to enjoy nightly complimentary s’mores (even tastier with no hidden resort fees!).

Day 2: Glacier Point Tour

Morning: 

Embark on a guided Glacier Point tour (ages 8 and up).

Marvel at panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra with a guided tour from Rush Creek Lodge, or strike out on your own. Be sure to visit the Rec Desk in the Guest Lounge for free planning advice and local insights on the best options for your party’s interests and abilities.

Afternoon and Evening: 

Gather around the fire pit at Rush Creek Lodge for complimentary s’mores after a refreshing shower in your Lodge Room.

Pamper yourself with Spa Day Use, a massage or other wellness treatment at our Yosemite-inspired spa. 

Day 3: Hetch Valley Valley

Morning: 

Explore lesser-traveled Hetch Hetchy Valley, which is about half the size of Yosemite Valley. Just 9 miles from Rush Creek, this is a perfect day trip in Yosemite. Home to Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls, and the famous O’Shaughnessy Dam, Hetch Hetchy Valley is a hidden gem in Yosemite worth the time in your 3 day trip. 

Evening: 

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Rush Creek Lodge’s Restaurant or Tavern, savoring the flavors of Yosemite’s bounty with seasonal specialties. 

Grab travel essentials for your trip home at our General Store and stop for a selfie at the famous tree ring sculpture

Reflect on the incredible memories you’ve made with your group in Yosemite National Park! 

Yosemite National Park offers a lifetime of exploration and wonder. With Rush Creek Lodge as your home base, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable 3-day adventure. Book your stay today!

Yosemite National Park is almost otherworldly, with cascading waterfalls, towering groves of giant sequoias, and iconic granite formations like world-famous Half Dome and El Capitan. These famous landscapes and challenging adventures draw nature enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker and hiker or a first time visitor, Yosemite has something for you. 

Jumpt to section:

• Planning Your Trip to Yosemite
  • Best Time to Visit Yosemite
  • Getting to Yosemite
  • Where to Stay in Yosemite
  • Yosemite Park Passes and Reservations
• Yosemite Valley Must-Sees
• Beyond the Valley
• Tips for First-Timers
• Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Your Trip to Yosemite

Best Time to Visit Yosemite

For smaller crowds, the best time to visit Yosemite is during shoulder seasons: spring’s April and May, and fall’s September and October. Chasing waterfalls in Yosemite? Early spring is the best time to visit. The park’s legendary wildflower bloom sees its peak in late spring and early summer.

Getting to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is easily accessible by car from all major California cities, including San Francisco. Some adventurers arriving without cars rely on bus services, while others fly into the nearby Fresno Yosemite International Airport and rent a car to get them the rest of the way to the park. Get directions to Rush Creek Lodge Yosemite.

Where to Stay in Yosemite

Explore Yosemite in style! Often called a “destination within a destination,” Rush Creek Lodge features the perfect blend of rustic sensibility and contemporary touches. Our 20-acre lodge offers 143 lodge rooms, suites, and hillside Yosemite villas with private decks for stunning views anytime and amenities designed to create an outstanding getaway for kids and adults alike. See all of Rush Creek’s lodge rooms and suites.

Yosemite Park Passes and Reservations

Yosemite National Park charges an entry fee. Additionally, you’ll need a Peak Hour day-use reservation to drive your own vehicle into the park during peak seasons. Always check the National Park Service’s website while you plan your trip and frequently before you visit for the most up-to-date information about passes and fees, road closures, and more. 

Yosemite Valley Must-Sees

Start your Yosemite trip with the unparalleled vista views at Tunnel View and Glacier Point, both offering awe-inspiring panoramic views of Yosemite Valley. If you’re looking for easy hikes and adventures, check out our list of easy hikes near Rush Creek Lodge or choose one of these highlights: 

• Nature Trail at Rush Creek Lodge: this .5 mile round trip hike is perfect for a leisurely family stroll and hikers looking to stretch their legs
• Bridalveil Fall: another easy half mile hike in Yosemite, this hike leads to the base of Bridalveil Fall and treats those who venture close enough to a refreshing spray of alpine water
• Cooks Meadow: this one mile hike in Yosemite is a simple, flat trail that rewards you with some of the best views of the Valley!

Yosemite offers more than hiking – visit the Yosemite Museum to learn about the park’s history, browse exhibits at the visitor centers, at trailheads and entrances throughout the park, or join a ranger-led program through the National Park Service to learn more about the beautiful landscape surrounding you in Yosemite. 

Beyond the Valley

Venture beyond Yosemite Valley and discover hidden gems like Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. This less-crowded area features waterfalls and steep granite cliffs. Feel the enormity of Giant Sequoias in a grove near the historic Big Oak Flat Road, and explore the wide expanses of Tuolumne Meadows, a picturesque high country setting home to sparkling lakes, scenic hiking trails, and serene wildflower meadows. 

Tips for First-Timers

Visiting Yosemite for the first time? Keep these tips handy. 

1. Be Weather Wise: the temperature and weather conditions in the park can change quickly and unexpectedly. Wear layers so you can adapt, and always bring an extra pair of socks!
2. Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water during any activity, and particularly during hikes. When at mountain elevations, plan to drink twice as much water as you would in your home environment.
3. Slow Down: Yosemite holds endless wonders, and isn’t going anywhere – prioritize what you’re most excited about, and remember that Yosemite is here to welcome you back anytime!

Your first Yosemite adventure is just the beginning! With each return visit, you’ll uncover new treasures and deepen your appreciation for this extraordinary park. Let Rush Creek Lodge be your luxurious basecamp and gateway to all the wonders Yosemite offers. Select from these packages and offers to add to your Yosemite trip!

Frequently Asked Questions about Yosemite for Beginners

Planning your first trip to Yosemite? The experts at Rush Creek Lodge have the answers to your questions about where you should go your first time in Yosemite, how long you should spend in Yosemite, and more. 

Is Yosemite for beginners?

Yosemite National Park is a bucket list destination for people across the globe. Lucky for them, Yosemite is suitable for beginners and is home to plenty of easy hikes. Guests at Rush Creek Lodge can book guided Yosemite excursions that help ensure you make the most out of your time in Yosemite. 

Where should I go for my first time in Yosemite?

Yosemite first-timers may opt for a classic Yosemite trip, seeing the iconic sights like Tunnel View and Glacier Point, Bridalveil Fall, and Cooks Meadow. A little preparation goes a long way! Choose your can’t-miss sights and experiences, and let an expert trip planner at Rush Creek Lodge’s Rec Desk help you build your ideal Yosemite itinerary. 

How many days do you need in Yosemite?

Typically, people spend two to four days in Yosemite – but you could take much longer! Check out these two, three, and four day Yosemite itineraries to help you plan your trip. 

What is the best way to see all of Yosemite? 

Short of moving here or taking multiple trips, the best way to see all of Yosemite in one trip is from above on an exciting Yosemite flight tour! This tour treats guests to magnificent views of the untouched wilderness as you soar over pristine alpine lakes, wild rivers, waterfalls, and stunning mountain ranges. 

From stargazing and hot stone massages to snowshoe hikes and holiday celebrations, there is an array of things to do in Yosemite in winter – especially when visiting Rush Creek Lodge. Along with daily activities that change seasonally, the winter schedule at Rush Creek is packed full of mountain fun and snowy scenes. 

Stargazing 

Far from light pollution, the dark skies surrounding Rush Creek Lodge are perfect for stargazing. After watching a beautiful Yosemite sunset, bundle up and embark on a stargazing tour with the lodge’s expert Star Guides, where you’ll see the cosmos through a digital telescope with clarity like never before. Star Guides will direct you around the night sky, pointing out constellations, star clusters, and other beautiful features of the Milky Way.

Wonders of Yosemite Hike & Tour

This full day hike is a great way to spend a winter day in Yosemite. The Wonders of Yosemite trip begins with a driving tour through Yosemite Valley, showcasing beautiful snowy views of the landscape as you approach the giant sequoia groves. The grove portion of the hike is done on snowshoes during the winter, winding 3 miles total through the giant sequoias that represent Yosemite’s natural history. 

Learn more about Rush Creek’s guided Yosemite tours.

S’mores at the Lodge

Join other Rush Creek Lodge guests nightly around the cozy fire pit for s’mores! Enjoy the warmth of a well-maintained campfire and indulge in the most classic outdoor snack, a delicious melty s’more. Meet your fellow guests, warm up by the fire, and head off to bed after your mountain dessert. 

Wood Ornaments

Rush Creek Lodge offers an impressive variety of activities for guests, including the chance to decorate your own wooden ornament. Paint your ornament and take it home to hang on your Christmas tree as a reminder of your awesome Yosemite adventure! 

Giant Sequoia Snowshoe

The Giant Sequoia Snowshoe is a 3-mile hike, showcasing the beautiful giant sequoias. The largest living species on earth, seeing these gorgeous trees flanked by bright white snow is an experience you just can’t miss in Yosemite. This half-day excursion requires beginner to intermediate effort. 

Rim of the Valley Snowshoe Adventure

Venture out to one of the best overlooks in all of Yosemite with Rush Creek Lodge’s Rim of the Valley Snowshoe Adventure. You’ll snowshoe up and down forested ridges to reach Dewey Point, an idyllic outlook that provides breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley’s southern rim, El Capitan, Three Brothers, and other famous Yosemite landmarks. 

 

Heated Saltwater Pools

The pool at Rush Creek Lodge is heated and open year-round, weather permitting, as are both of the large hot tubs. Relax away tired muscles from your day of Yosemite adventuring, or turn your attention upward for sublime stargazing. 

Range of Light Yosemite Valley Tour

See Yosemite from an insider’s perspective on a driving tour of Yosemite Valley’s most famous wonders and hidden secrets. Perfect for the winter with short walks on flat, easy-to-navigate terrain, the Range of Light Yosemite Valley Tour features opportunities to take in the views from vista overlooks, bright snow and ice formations, and other classic Yosemite winter sights, supplemented by your guide with information about the Park and its natural history, wildlife, and more.  

Yosemite Valley Explorer Snowshoe

Don your snowshoes and follow one of Rush Creek’s expert guides through Yosemite’s hidden trails on the Yosemite Valley Explorer Snowshoe, one of the best things to do in Yosemite in winter. Your guide will take care of the driving so you can enjoy the views, and provide interesting facts about the area’s hidden wonders once you’re on foot and ready to explore 4.5 miles surrounding Yosemite’s most famous icons. 

Craft Classes at Rush Creek Lodge

Ready for some time away from the chill? Create a beautiful keepsake of your winter Yosemite trip in a gemstone bracelet class, stitch beaded earring class, or basket weaving class taught by traveling art educator and artisan Willow Polson. Class fees include all the materials you need to create your own masterpiece.

 

Christmas Activities at Rush Creek Lodge

December 22 – 28, 2023

If you’re joining us for the holiday season, we’re excited to provide you with traditional holiday celebrations in ways you’ve never experienced before. From live music and visits with Santa to our tree lighting and special Christmas menu, you’re in for an unforgettable Yosemite Christmas experience. 

New Year’s Eve Activities at Rush Creek Lodge

December 29, 2023 – January 2, 2024

Spend your New Year’s Eve at Rush Creek Lodge! Treat yourself to a delicious dinner by Executive Chef Lemens, a sparkling champagne toast, and late-night fun in the Tavern to ring in the new year right.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Yosemite in Winter

Deciding whether to take on Yosemite in the winter brings up a host of questions. Let the experts at Rush Creek Lodge answer your most frequently asked questions about winter in Yosemite! 

Is Yosemite worth visiting in winter?

Of course! Yosemite is worth visiting anytime, including the winter. You can take a snowshoe hike to access less-traveled parts of the park and see breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscapes, experience festive mountain holiday celebrations, stargaze from your private balcony at Rush Creek Lodge, and more. 

What not to miss in Yosemite in winter?

Christmas Week at Rush Creek Lodge is a can’t miss Yosemite winter event. In addition to unforgettable views of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks blanketed in snow, winter in Yosemite brings magical mountain experiences like campfire s’mores, stargazing, snowshoeing, and chef-curated dining. 

What to do in Yosemite when it snows?

There are plenty of fun things to do in Yosemite when it snows. Embark on a snowshoe hike guided by one of our expert naturalist guides and see the Park’s most famous landmarks in their wintery beauty, gather around the fireplace with a classic board game in your Yosemite villa, or even visit our Yosemite spa for a dip in the Warm Waterfall Coves to contrast with the cold outdoors. 

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At Rush Creek Lodge, you’re just minutes from the best things to do in Yosemite in the winter. From expert-led snowshoe hikes to relaxing soaks in our heated granite waterfall mineral hot tubs, an amazing Yosemite winter experience is at your fingertips when you choose Rush Creek Lodge. 

If you’re ready for a challenge, Yosemite National Park is the place to find one. From less-traveled Hetch Hetchy to the famous Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Loop, the best moderate hikes in Yosemite are at your fingertips thanks to Rush Creek Lodge’s expert guided Yosemite hiking tours.

Read on to see our 10 favorite moderate hikes in Yosemite! 

Hetch Hetchy Wapama Falls Naturalist Hike | 2.2 Miles Each Way

This moderate hike covers 5 miles of Hetch Hetchy, 2.2 miles each way. Hetch Hetchy is typically less crowded than Yosemite Valley, and boasts similar beautiful views complete with mountain domes and waterfalls. Once you reach Wapama Falls, you’ll have the opportunity to relax by the water or continue past the falls for a little more adventure before hiking back to the lodge. 

The Hetch Hetchy Wapama Falls Naturalist Hike departs from Rush Creek Lodge’s sister property, Evergreen Lodge. Participants should arrive at the Evergreen Lodge Recreation Center 15-20 minutes before departure. 

Giant Sequoia Hike or Snowshoe | 3 Miles Round Trip

This half-day Giant Sequoia Hike or Snowshoe is one of the best moderate hikes in Yosemite. The giant sequoias in Merced Grove are incredible any time of year, but the year round accessibility of this hike means you can snowshoe through the rarely-traveled landscape seen by few visitors when snow blankets the grove in winter. Snowshoe rental is included in this hike’s fee. 

The sequoia grove portion of this tour requires a 3 mile round trip hike or snowshoe. Participants should be comfortable walking or snowshoeing up to 3 miles in varied terrain, at elevations up to 6,000 feet. 

Wonders of Yosemite Hike and Tour | 3 Miles Round Trip

The Wonders of Yosemite Hike and Tour is a full day, moderate hike in Yosemite. The trip begins with a driving tour of Yosemite Valley, where expert guides from Rush Creek Lodge will do the driving so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. You’ll see rushing waterfalls, majestic giant sequoia trees, and stunning vista views on your way to the giant sequoia groves. 

This moderate hike in Yosemite will take you on a 3 mile round trip hike through the giant sequoias that were an integral part of Yosemite’s beginnings as a National Park. During the winter and early spring, this moderate Yosemite hike turns into a snowshoe adventure – snowshoe rental is available through Rush Creek Lodge.  

Yosemite Valley Explorer | 4-5 Miles

Get to know Yosemite Valley on the Yosemite Valley Explorer hike, one of the best moderate hikes in Yosemite. Rush Creek Lodge’s expert guide will show you Yosemite Valley’s hidden trails as you traverse 4-5 miles around many of the area’s iconic wonders. 

Rush Creek’s friendly naturalist guides will take care of the driving while you see the Valley’s icons and hidden secrets. When it’s time to go on foot, participants should be comfortable walking up to 5 miles on varied terrain at elevations up to 6,000 feet. This moderate hike in Yosemite may be a snowshoeing trip in late fall and winter. 

May Lake + Mount Hoffman Naturalist Hike | 5.5 Miles

May Lake + Mount Hoffman Naturalist Hike with Rush Creek Lodge will take you to the geographic center of Yosemite National Park. At May Lake, you’ll see the picturesque Mount Hoffman in double as the lake reflects it. 

The journey farther into the park leads to Mount Hoffman, a lesser-traveled area of the park that will show 360-degree views of Yosemite National Park. This moderate Yosemite hike is available through Rush Creek Lodge during the summer and fall. 

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome Loop | 5.8 Miles

This moderate Yosemite hike covers the area between two iconic lookouts, Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. At the top of Sentinel Dome, you’ll be treated to a 360-degree view of the park featuring Half Dome and majestic Yosemite Falls. Taft Point’s draw is the picturesque views of the valley’s plunging cliffs, providing some of the most spectacular sights in Yosemite. 

Participants should be ready to gain about 1,200 feet of elevation on this 5.8 mile hike. Beginning at around 7,300 feet, hikers will carefully reach up to 8,114 feet before the loop turns for descent. 

Mono Pass Naturalist Hike | 7.4 Miles Round Trip

The Mono Pass Naturalist Hike is a moderate hike in Yosemite National Park, leading you to the top of Mono Pass for unbeatable views of the park’s eastern side and boundary. Sierra Nevada is one of the nation’s most rugged and least-accessed mountain ranges, and this hike places you on the crest for an unforgettable experience. 

This full-day hiking trip features sights like Mount Gibbs, Kuna Peak, and Mount Dana. Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 7.4 miles on varied terrain at elevations between 9,700 and 10,600 feet. 

North Dome Naturalist Hike | 9 Miles Round Trip

Embark on a full-day trip to the North Rim of Yosemite Valley with the North Dome Naturalist Hike. One of the best moderate hikes in Yosemite for Half Dome views, this hike takes you to an impressive vantage point to look out over Half Dome and the surrounding canyons and peaks. 

Starting from the Tioga Road trailhead, you’ll follow your naturalist guide through old growth forests, keeping an eye out for local wildlife, and be met at the end with views from North Dome that some call the most spectacular on earth. Participants should be ready for up to 5 hours of hiking. 

Glen Aulin Naturalist Hike | 10 Miles Round Trip

Journey to the heart of Yosemite High Country for this moderate hike, the Glen Aulin Naturalist Hike. This trail covers 10 miles (5 miles each way) of breathtaking Yosemite High Country. Tuolumne Fall is stunning, a high cascading waterfall surrounded by granite cliffs and meadows full of wildflowers. 

This is a 6-8 hour hike, but you’ll be rewarded with time to swim in the refreshing High Sierra waters if the weather allows. The views of the Tuolumne River and surrounding alpine forest from the top of the falls is unmatched. This hike is available through Rush Creek Lodge from June – October, conditions permitting. 

Rancheria Falls Naturalist Hike | 13 Miles Round Trip

This moderate 13-mile hike in Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy, the Rancheria Falls Naturalist Hike, takes you deep into the less-traveled Hetch Hetchy Valley. Your naturalist guide will take care to point out local flora and fauna, flourishing in the quiet forest that surrounds Hetch Hetchy Valley. 

The Rancheria Falls Naturalist Hike operates from our sister property, Evergreen Lodge. Participants should arrive at the meeting place, the Evergreen Lodge Recreation Center, 15-20 minutes prior to departure. Please allow yourself 15-20 minutes to drive to Evergreen Lodge from Rush Creek Lodge. 

Learn more about these moderate Yosemite National Park hikes. Sometimes less steps equals more sights. See our list of easy hikes in Yosemite.

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Yosemite National Park is the place for you if you’re ready for moderate level hiking trails. You’ll be rewarded for your work with unbeatable views of Yosemite that you just can’t get without some effort – a moderate hike in Yosemite means breathtaking views and unparalleled experiences. Ready to take on the trails? Book your stay with Rush Creek Lodge today!

Yosemite National Park offers countless hikes for visitors to enjoy throughout the year, but adventurers searching for the best Yosemite hikes in the summer need to look no further than right here at Rush Creek Lodge and the surrounding area.

Read on for a list of some of the best Yosemite hikes in the summer! 

Best summer hikes in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls Trail

Approximately 7.2 miles | Moderate 

Starting in Yosemite Valley, this trail will lead you to the majestic Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. This hike offers challenging uphill sections that reward hikers with awe-inspiring views of the valley, Half Dome, and the surrounding peaks. 

Tuolumne Meadows + Cathedral Lakes

8 miles | Moderate

One of the best Yosemite hikes in the summer is Tuolumne Meadows and Cathedral Lakes, beginning in the high country of Yosemite. The picturesque trail leads hikers through Tuolumne Meadows to Cathedral Lakes, where you can take a dip beneath the tall granite peaks. The crystal clear waters and stunning vistas make this trail an ideal summer hike. 

Yosemite Valley Explorer 

4-5 miles | Gentle to Moderate

Yosemite Valley Explorer traverses both iconic and hidden sights of Yosemite Valley. This trail takes about half a day round-trip, and showcases seasonal creeks, meadows, and unforgettable views of the park. During the summer is when you’ll see the landscape covered in its brightest green under gorgeous blue skies. 

Yosemite Overnight Backpacking Adventure

6-30 miles | Intermediate to Advanced

This overnight backpacking trip is fully customizable, making it one of the best Yosemite hikes in summer. Your Rush Creek Lodge guide will craft a unique, memorable adventure tailored to your goals. Whether you’re looking for a slow-paced overnight camping trip with the family or a 30-mile trek through the backwoods of the park, this overnight adventure in Yosemite is one of the best summer hikes. 

South Rim of Yosemite Valley Tour

10.5 miles | Moderate

This hike takes you away from summer crowds to the southern rim of Yosemite Valley. See the Red Fir groves, wildflower meadows, and historic sites that populate this less-traveled area of the park. Stop at multiple vista points along the way for stunning views of Mt. Hoffman and Mt. Conness. 

Learn more about Rush Creek Lodge’s guided Yosemite National park tours to add to your summer getaway itinerary.

New Hiking Trails at Rush Creek Lodge

Guests at Rush Creek Lodge can enjoy three onsite hiking trails, bringing the best Yosemite hikes in the summer right to their doorsteps. 

Nature Trail at Rush Creek Lodge

.5 mile | Gentle 

The Nature Trail is a leisurely and picturesque half-mile trail. Conveniently located on Rush Creek’s property, this is an ideal choice for families and individuals seeking a short, relaxing stroll. Created to showcase the natural flora of the Yosemite area, the trail is also an opportunity to learn about the nature of Yosemite Valley.

Vista Trail at Rush Creek Lodge

1.6 miles | Moderate

The Vista Trail is a moderate 1.6 mile trail that offers stunning views of the Stanislaus forest and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The trail features lookout points with benches that encourage you to stop and take in the natural beauty of your surroundings in their brightest shades of summer green. 

Adventure Trail at Rush Creek Lodge

2.7 miles | Moderate to Advanced

The Adventure Trail is a 2.7 mile trail that begins at Rush Creek Lodge. The trail is multi-use for hikers and mountain bikers – you can rent a bike on the property or bring your own! This trail was created with adventure in mind, promising an unforgettable journey through the Yosemite wilderness on foot or by bike. 

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Some of the best Yosemite hikes in summer are located right here at Rush Creek Lodge. Whether you venture off the property to tour Yosemite Valley or stick around near our Yosemite lodging, no day of trail adventures is complete until you end your day with a starlit soak in our hot tub, a dip in our 2,400 square-foot saltwater pool, or an aromatherapy massage at the Rush Creek Spa. Rest well at Rush Creek Lodge knowing you’re just steps from the action when you wake up!