For a few weeks every February, Yosemite National Park experiences a phenomenon that creates the illusion of a waterfall of flames. Dubbed the firefall, it takes place on the park’s eastern side at El Capitan when the sunlight reflects through the famed Horsetail Waterfall. And now, it got easier to experience.
In mid to late February, something really special happens in Yosemite: the Firefall phenomenon. This is when the setting sun’s light hits the trickling waterfall named Horsetail Fall on the face of El Capitan in a particular way that makes it look like it’s on fire. It’s a cool effect that draws crowds to the parts of the park where it’s visible.
Yosemite National Park turns into a breathtaking winter wonderland as the landscape becomes soft with snow and the crowds thin. The serenity of the granite cliffs, ancient sequoias, and towering waterfalls in winter offer a genuinely unique experience. Rush Creek Lodge’s Yosemite tours are designed to help guests explore the park during this magical time with ease.
Step into a postcard-perfect scene with our Rim of the Valley Snowshoe Adventure. This guided tour takes you along the park’s scenic rim, offering panoramic views of snow-covered valleys and peaks. Whether you’re a seasoned snowshoer or trying it for the first time, this Yosemite winter tour is an exciting blend of fun, fitness, and beautiful views.
This Yosemite winter tour is adaptable for snowshoeing during heavier snowfall. The Giant Sequoia Hike takes you through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias with the guidance of an experienced local explorer. Discover the secrets of these ancient giants while marveling at their resilience through centuries of winters and enjoying a lesser-traveled area of the park on your snowshoes!
Catch one of the park’s most well-known and spectacular phenomenons: Yosemite Firefall. Every February, conditions align to make Horsetail Fall light up and glow like molten lava as the sun shines through the rushing waters falling over the edge. This express tour ensures that you have one of the best vantage points for seeing Firefall and affords you the opportunity to witness and photograph this incredible event.
Exploring Yosemite in winter is an incredible experience, and it comes with unique challenges. Our tours make winter exploration easier and more enjoyable by providing expert guidance, ensuring safety, and offering unparalleled convenience. With knowledgeable guides, you gain a deeper understanding of Yosemite’s history, ecology, and winter wonders.
Navigating winter conditions can be unpredictable, but our tours include proper equipment, safe route guidance, and transportation, relieving the stress of icy roads and trails. Additionally, we handle all the logistics — from transportation to gear — so you can focus entirely on enjoying your Yosemite Park winter adventure.
Booking your first winter tour with Rush Creek Lodge? Expect a thoughtful, curated experience. The majority of the tours include transportation to and from the park, a knowledgeable local guide, and necessary equipment like snowshoes.
To prepare for your adventure, pack wisely for winter conditions. This includes warm, moisture-wicking clothing layers, plus a waterproof jacket and pants and sturdy, insulted footwear. Don’t forget accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves for added warmth, and a pair of sunglasses – reflection off the bright white snow can be blinding!
Book your winter Yosemite tour early to ensure your spot, especially during Firefall season. Reserving your spot ahead of time keeps you from missing out on these incredible experiences.
Before heading out, always check road conditions on the NPS Road Conditions page for updates on chain requirements and closures. Yosemite’s winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to dress in layers and carry extra water and snacks. Rush Creek Lodge provides the perfect base for your Yosemite adventure, offering warm hospitality and easy access to the park. When exploring the park, recreate responsibly by staying on marked trails, respecting wildlife, and packing out all waste to help preserve Yosemite’s natural beauty.
Winter is a magical time to experience Yosemite’s tranquility and beauty. Whether snowshoeing along the rim, walking among ancient sequoias, or witnessing the awe-inspiring Firefall, our winter tours offer a backstage pass to Yosemite during one of the most beautiful times of year. Book your winter stay with Rush Creek Lodge now and start your countdown to an unforgettable trip!
Create New Memories With Us!
If you’re looking to celebrate the holiday season in a way that’s both memorable and connected to nature, we have the perfect event for you! Join us and the Stanislaus National Forest Service for Tree-mendous, an experience that combines family-friendly fun, and cozy winter vibes while creating new traditions.
📅 When: December 7th and 14th
📍 Where: Meet at Ackerson Meadow parking lot from 9-11 a.m.
Here’s what you can expect from the day:
Whether you’re coming for cut your own Christmas tree, the delicious hot drinks, or a chance to catch Smokey the Bear, Tree-mendous promises to be a day full of holiday cheer and quality time in the great outdoors.
For further details and information on obtaining your tree-cutting permit, click here.
We look forward to seeing you on December 7th and 14th for a celebration of nature and community!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!).
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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:
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.
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.
Visiting Yosemite for the first time? Keep these tips handy.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are five entrances to Yosemite National Park – so how do you know which entrance to Yosemite is best for your trip? Each entrance offers access to unique trails and sights, from waterfalls and the reservoir in Hetch Hetchy to the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area through the Tioga Pass Entrance. Plan your perfect Yosemite trip with these tips and see what entrance will work best for you!
Best for seeing Yosemite’s most famous sights.
If you want to explore Yosemite Valley, the best entrance at Yosemite is the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Just minutes from Rush Creek Lodge, this entrance to Yosemite gives you access to explore Yosemite Valley’s famous sights like Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls. The valley is surrounded by bucket list climbs Half Dome and El Capitan, where hikers watch experienced climbers scale these granite summits (or undertake it themselves with the proper permits).
You can also access Tuolumne Meadows through the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite National Park, following Tioga Road before the Tioga Pass Entrance of the park. Tuolumne Meadows holds a portion of the Tuolumne River, and is a popular spot in Yosemite for birdwatching, fishing, picnicking, stargazing, and photography.
Best for encountering fewer crowds.
The Hetch Hetchy Entrance of Yosemite National Park is the best entrance for those seeking an extra peaceful experience in Yosemite. The farthest north of all the entrances to the park, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance typically has fewer crowds. There are fish in the majority of the lakes for fishing. Hetch Hetchy is also one of the best entrances to Yosemite for hiking due to the long hiking season (early spring through the fall) and access to many of the park’s hiking trails.
Not sure where to start? Let the experts at nearby Rush Creek Lodge guide you. You can enjoy a leisurely and fascinating 5 mile hike high above the shores of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir on the Hetch Hetchy Wapama Falls Naturalist Hike while your knowledgeable guide shares history, science, and local lore you can’t find anywhere else. Learn more about our guided Yosemite National Park tours.
Best for access to the center of Yosemite National Park.
Arch Rock Entrance welcomes visitors to the park with a unique rock feature that passes over the roadway. Arch Rock consists of two house-sized boulders that form an archway large enough for visitors to drive through. You’ll be close to the center of the park and many iconic sights like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and the Merced River when you use the Arch Rock Entrance.
Arch Rock Entrance is a direct route to Yosemite Valley, reachable via a gorgeous 10-mile drive. You’ll be treated to views of Bridalveil Fall, Pohono Bridge over the Merced River, and the iconic El Capitan.
Best for seeing the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove.
If you’re traveling to Yosemite to see the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the best entrance to the park is the South Entrance. This popular place to visit in Yosemite National Park is just 8 miles from the South Entrance, giving you access to the grove without driving through the whole park. Just before the entrance, you’ll find the South Entrance Information Station – there you can grab a park map and pay your entrance fee. You can also hop the free shuttle to Mariposa Grove from the Welcome Plaza, just two minutes from the South Entrance.
Inside the park, you can visit Wawona, a historic town that holds the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, historic buildings, and interactive experiences available during the summer. The historic town comes back to life with blacksmith demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.
Best for access to Tioga Lake and Glacier Canyon.
The Tioga Pass Entrance to Yosemite National Park is the best entrance for access to Tioga Lake, Glacier Canyon, and the Ellery Lake Lookout. This entrance to Yosemite is only open during the summer, and offers easy access to outdoor activities like Tioga and Ellery Lakes and the stunning Tuolumne Meadows.
Glacier Canyon is less than a mile from Tioga Pass Entrance, and one of the most popular sights to see in Yosemite. This valley was carved by a glacier and now features stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and sparkling waterfalls. As you head deeper into the park, you’ll catch glimpses of Mount Dana’s towering peaks, see climbers scale Lembert Dome, and finally reach Tenaya Lake, an alpine lake surrounded by towering granite cliffsides.
No matter where you start in Yosemite National Park, you’re surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for adventure at every turn. From cascading waterfalls and granite peaks to gentle rolling meadows and meandering streams, you can see it all in Yosemite National Park – save your precious exploring time when you stay nearby at Rush Creek Lodge, just minutes from two of Yosemite’s best entrances.
Visitors to Yosemite wondering which entrance to the park is best will find different answers depending on their Yosemite itinerary. There are 5 park entrances, each offering access to unique trails and sights.
While the best entrance to Yosemite is dependent on what a visitor wants to see and do, one of the most popular entrances to Yosemite is Big Oak Flat Entrance. Great for seeing Yosemite Valley’s iconic sights like Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point, in addition to providing access to Tuolumne Meadows and prime viewing spots to watch hikers scale bucket list Yosemite climbs El Capitan and Half Dome.
The best route to enter Yosemite depends on where you’re going once inside the park! Arch Rock Entrance gives you access to the center of Yosemite National Park. Hetch Hetchy Entrance offers a less crowded Yosemite experience, while Big Oak Flat Entrance is the most popular and heaviest-traveled. The South Entrance is best for visitors who want to see the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove, and Tioga Pass Entrance lives up to its name with access to Tioga Lake and Glacier Canyon.
You can easily access Tunnel View via the Southern Entrance of Yosemite National Park. The Southern Entrance of Yosemite is about 45 minutes from Tunnel View by car. There are several ways to explore different viewpoints of Tunnel View, but the classic landscape seen in photography dating back to the early 1930s is accessed via the Southern Entrance.
The easiest drive into Yosemite Valley is via Big Oak Flat Entrance. Just minutes from Rush Creek Lodge, this route gives you access to explore Yosemite Valley’s iconic sights like Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Falls, and Tunnel View.
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.
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.
