Rush Creek Lodge & Spa

• Is the Lodge inside Yosemite Park? No, the Lodge is 3.9 miles from the Park Highway 120 entrance and 25.8 miles from Curry Village.
• Does the Lodge allow pets? Pets (other than registered service animals) are not allowed in or around guest rooms, in vehicles or on property.
• What is the closest airport to the Lodge? Merced Regional Airport (MCE).
• Can a Wedding be held at the Lodge? Yes, Rush Creek Lodge is the perfect place to get married in Yosemite. Choose from several of their gorgeous outdoor venues for your wedding ceremony or their main event hall. Wedding ceremonies can also be held within Yosemite National Park.
• When was the Lodge Built? Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, which opened in 2016, is built on a historic Groveland property.
• Does Rush Creek Lodge have WIFI? Yes, Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in-room. But if you're looking for a change of scenery, you'll find complimentary Wi-Fi in their Computer Lounge in the Guest Lodge, in the Guest Lounge in the Main Lodge, and in the common areas of the Guest Lodge and Reception Building.
• Google Reviews: for Rush Creek Lodge

Here are the top ten highlights of Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, why it is an excellent destination for visitors to Yosemite National Park:

1. Proximity to Yosemite: Just a mile from the park’s entrance, Rush Creek Lodge offers quick access to Yosemite, making it a convenient base for exploring the park's famous sites like El Capitan and Half Dome.
2. Spacious & Comfortable Accommodations: The lodge offers a variety of accommodation options, including lodge rooms, suites, and hillside villas, all designed to provide a cozy and rustic experience with modern comforts.
3. Heated Saltwater Pool & Hot Tubs: The outdoor heated pool and hot tubs are ideal for relaxation after a long day of hiking or exploring Yosemite, offering scenic views of the surrounding forest.
4. Family-Friendly Activities: The lodge offers a wide range of activities for children and families, including a game room, a zip line, nightly s'mores by the campfire, and educational nature programs.
5. Full-Service Spa: The onsite spa offers rejuvenating treatments, such as massages and body wraps, providing a luxurious way to unwind after outdoor adventures.
6. Onsite Dining: The lodge’s restaurant and tavern serve locally-sourced, delicious meals, with a focus on hearty, seasonal dishes, making it easy to dine without leaving the property.
7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Rush Creek Lodge is committed to sustainability with energy-efficient operations, water conservation practices, and a focus on supporting the local community and environment.
8. Guided Outdoor Adventures: The lodge offers a range of guided hikes, nature walks, and tours, perfect for guests looking to explore Yosemite with knowledgeable guides.
9. Recreation Center: Equipped with billiards, shuffleboard, and games, the recreation center offers indoor entertainment for guests of all ages.
10. Stunning Natural Setting: Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains and dense forests, the lodge provides a tranquil and scenic environment, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Disclaimer: This review reflects our personal experiences and opinions based on our stay at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa. Experiences may vary based on individual preferences, time of visit, and specific circumstances. We have not received any compensation or special considerations from the establishment for this review. All details and impressions are accurate to the best of our knowledge, but for current rates, availability, and policies, please refer to the lodge’s official website or contact them directly.

• Our Overall Impression:

  Hotel staff were friendly and quick to assist. Our initial checkin at their front desk was processed quickly and efficiently.

• Location & Accessibility:

  Located just one mile from the western entrance to Yosemite National Park, Rush Creek Lodge offers convenient access to Yosemite’s trails and sights. It's well-positioned for those wanting proximity to the park without sacrificing comfort. Parking is free, and the lodge is easy to reach from Highway 120.

• Accessibility/ADA Compliancy:

  Because the hotel is relatively new, they conform to the ADA Compliancy requirements in all respects. For a complete description of their ADA compliant rooms, take a look at their room description page. To view their list of ADA compliancy throughout the hotel take a look at this page.

• Parking:

  The parking lot is large, on two levels where the lower level is meant to contain larger vehicles & towing rigs. There is a charging station in the lot, and there is another charging station elsewhere on the property.

• Accommodations:

  Our "Lodge King Room" was very comfortable and spacious. You should note that there are no TVs in their rooms. No TV by design. They provide free wifi, satellite radio and lots of games (board, family style and outside) .

  There are various room types available; Lodge King or Double Queen Rooms, Lodge Suites, Two Bedroom Villas (King or Double Twin beds), Two Bedroom Villas with one double king bed, One bedroom villas, ADA Lodge King Rooms, ADA Lodge Double Queen Rooms, ADA Lodge Suites, and ADA two bedroom villas.

  Room type availability would obviously vary on your required dates, you should check the hotel's room type information page for more information.

• Medical Services:

  If you need medical assistance while staying at Rush Creek Lodge, the staff at the front desk can help connect you with local medical resources. Although the lodge itself does not have an on-site doctor, staff can provide directions to nearby medical facilities, such as the John C. Fremont Hospital in Mariposa or local clinics in Groveland, approximately 30–40 minutes away. For non-emergency medical advice, the lodge also offers guidance on contacting local telemedicine services or pharmacies.

• ATM Machines:

  There was an ATM in the lobby, which we utilized and it was always operational. We are not aware of any other machines.

• The General Store:

  Open from 6:30-10am and they offer coffee, fresh hot and cold breakfast items as well as lunch items including sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, snacks and a DIY trail mix bar. They also have maps, guidebooks, Yosemite reference materials, t-shirts, sweaters, etc.

  While we were there, they offered fresh made to order hot breakfast egg sandwichs on the deck outside the store, and they were excellent.

• Dining Room & Tavern:

  It offers a rustic ambiance with a welcoming, lodge-style setting, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Yosemite. Expect a warm, wood-paneled interior, ambient lighting, and comfortable seating that encourages guests to linger. The menu combines American comfort food with locally-sourced ingredients, serving up dishes like burgers, hearty salads, and seasonal specials that cater to diverse tastes.

  The bar provides a nice selection of local craft beers, California & other wines, and a range of cocktails, making it a popular spot for both winding down or celebrating the day’s adventures. During colder months, a fireplace adds to the inviting vibe, while in summer, guests might enjoy outdoor seating.

  Our experiences can be found on this page, click here to view our Tavern description.

• Amenities & Facilities:

  The lodge is family-friendly, offering a game room, outdoor play areas, heated saltwater pool, and hot tubs. Fire pits and cozy outdoor seating encourage evening gatherings. For wellness, the on-site spa provides massages, a steam room, and a secluded hot tub.

  The pool area includes a 2,400 square foot saltwater pool, a large family-friendly hot tub, plus another hot tub just for quiet and relaxation. Their list of amenities is large, you should take a look at this Google Travel page where you can find the complete list of amenities.

• Activities & Recreation:

  Guests enjoy daily activities like guided hikes, craft workshops, and nature walks. The property has well-kept trails, and the friendly staff helps organize off-site excursions to Yosemite’s top attractions.

  Here is a link to the Lodge's list of hiking in the general area of the hotel.

• Other Reviews:

  Here is a link to a Google Search Results list for "Rush Creek Lodge & Spa reviews". There are a large number of reviews available, but the quality of the information varies quite a bit.

  Here is a link to the Google Reviews for the Rush Creek Lodge & Spa - note that there are 1,689 reviews and the rating is 4.6 on a 5 point scale. Our point here is that this is perhaps the most reliable source of reviews online.

As you can see in this static map, we had a number of destinations (as well as a number of side trips) that would require a considerable amount of driving. Each of the itinerary stops is linked to our content (or page) to allow you to view our content.

Locations / Start & End points are both San Francisco International Airport

1. San Francisco Hilton Financial District.
2. Bonita Point Lighthouse and Fort Baker area.
3. Sausalito, CA.
4. Santa Rosa, CA in the heart of the Sonoma County Wine District.
5. Salida, CA - overnight rest stop along the way to Yosemite.
6. Yosemite National Park, CA where we stayed at the Rush Creek Lodge.
7. Frontieres Underground Garden Fresno, CA - this was an entertainment side stop, as we had read about this place and also wanted to get lunch.
8. Santa Barbara, CA
9. Morro Bay, CA.
10. Monterey Bay, CA to explore the Monterey Bay and Carmel by the Sea areas.