Step 1: Choose Your Lodge
Evergreen Lodge
Evergreen Lodge is a newly expanded historic resort with 88 cozy cabins in the woods and 20 custom camping sites. Guests say Evergreen feels like a big warm hug. It was established in 1921 to facilitate the building of the O’Shaughnessy Dam in Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Valley. Today you can tap into the historic vibe of Evergreen’s colorful past (click here to learn more!), while still enjoying the comforts of a modern resort.
Evergreen is blessed with a convenient location for enjoying all of Yosemite. The lodge sits one mile from the Park’s western border and the entrance to Hetch Hetchy.
Evergreen was acquired by Lee Zimmerman and Brian Anderluh in 2001, modernized and expanded over the years and became a founding B Corporation in 2007.
Rush Creek Lodge
Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, which opened in 2016, is built on a historic property fondly known as a Gold Rush claim that just didn’t pan out! Like Evergreen, Rush Creek served as a social hub throughout the Gold Rush era, and is pleased to provide a warm welcome to modern day travelers seeking to bask in Yosemite’s warm glow.
With 143 Lodge Rooms, Suites and Villas situated on 20 hillside acres, and a gorgeous Yosemite-inspired Spa, the Lodge’s mood is laid-back luxury. Located less than a mile from Yosemite’s Hwy 120 West entrance, Rush Creek is a favorite for easiest access to Yosemite.
Rush Creek is privately owned and lovingly operated by Lee Zimmerman and Brian Anderluh, and is a Certified B Corporation.
Firefall Ranch
New to the Yosemite landscape in Spring 2024, Firefall Ranch is unlike anything else Yosemite has ever seen.
Fine but not fussy, Firefall Ranch meanders through serene meadowland and forested rolling hills near Yosemite’s popular northwest entrance.
This basecamp for your Yosemite adventure is filled with striking design flourishes throughout the Cottages, Villas, Pool Area, Restaurant, Tavern, Wine Room and glorious Event Center.
Step Two: Access Yosemite
Peak Hour Reservation
Yosemite is piloting a “Peak Hours Plus” vehicle reservation system for park entry on select days, for those driving into or through Yosemite National Park between 5am and 4pm.
- April 13 – June 30: weekends and holidays, 5am – 4pm
- July 1 – August 16: daily, 5am – 4pm
- August 17 – October 27: weekends and holidays, 5am – 4pm
Details are updated regularly on the Park Service’s website, and here are our key highlights, including exceptions to the program:
- Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased within 7 days of your arrival day on a first-come first-served basis at recreation.gov. Be sure to set up your recreation.gov login in advance and be ready to log on to their site at 8 am on your target day.
- Even if you have a National Park Pass, you will need to reserve a Peak Hour Reservations ticket on recreation.gov in order to enter the park. You won’t have to pay the entrance fee a second time, just a $2 processing fee
- Park Entrance Passes are good for 3 days; visitors will NOT be required to validate at the gate on the first day of their reservation.
- At this time, we are not able to obtain passes for our guests to drive their own cars in/out of the park. Each vehicle must obtain their own pass at recreation.gov.
Join a Guided Excursion
Our friendly professional guides take care of the driving and elevate your adventure with all sorts of fantastic insider tips and tricks. Choose from dozens of Yosemite excursions that include everything from driving tours of the Park’s most iconic spots to more adventurous hikes, biking, snowshoeing, fly fishing, overnight backpacking, and even airplane rides over the Park!
Those staying at Evergreen Lodge or Rush Creek Lodge meet onsite for tours. Those staying at Firefall Ranch meet at Rush Creek Lodge.
YARTS
YARTS is a public transportation service for Yosemite National Park and its surrounding area, with multiple routes and stops along the way covering all of Yosemite’s main entrances. YARTS allows visitors to avoid the frustration of traffic, directions and parking while visiting the Yosemite Area. With YARTS the options for your Yosemite experience are endless.
Rush Creek Lodge serves seasonally as an official YARTS stop from May 15th through September 29th. YARTS is a local transportation provider that services the Yosemite area, which means you can sit back and enjoy the views, not the road. YARTS users are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance for guaranteed seating.
Learn all about the YARTS details here. Suggested pick-up and drop-off is Rush Creek Lodge to Yosemite Village. Once you’re in Yosemite Village, you can the get around the Valley floor with the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle System.
Evergreen Lodge and Firefall Ranch guests can utilize this service with free parking available at Rush Creek Lodge.
Step Three: Have Fun
Back at the lodge enjoy restaurants, taverns, general stores, heated saltwater pools & hot tubs, & daily activities with no hidden resort fees.
Evergreen Lodge
Evergreen Lodge is filled with surprises for play and relaxation around every corner. Play ping pong in the Plaza, make the rounds through Tuolumne Hall Game Room, and find everything from hammocks to bocce ball throughout the property. We even have a forest disc golf course!
Evergreen’s wellness program features massage cabanas surrounded by towering pine trees and fresh mountain air, ideal for your best massage treatment ever. Inquire at the Recreation Desk for seasonal offerings.
Rush Creek Lodge
With daily activities including ping pong, hammocks, and other hidden treasures– we’re certain you’ll find a way to unwind after a day of Yosemite adventures. We can also show you the way to nearby hikes to some of our favorite streams and swimming holes.
At the heart of our Yosemite resort, everyone loves to hang out at our awesome pool area with a large, heated saltwater pool and seasonal Pool Bar serving delicious cocktails, mocktails, and tasty Pool Café treats.
Rush Creek’s renowned Wellness program has fully blossomed! We are the newest Yosemite spa resort, featuring incredible indoor and outdoor spa elements inspired by the natural beauty and power of Yosemite.
Imagination has taken form — using our personal experiences with Yosemite’s breathtaking landscape and powerful beauty, Rush Creek Spa has strived to mimic the extraordinary series of moments an adventurer would encounter during a day at Yosemite. There’s no replacement for the national park’s raw and authentic beauty, but we hope this small glimpse into Yosemite’s healing power will bring our guests one step closer to health and wellness.
Firefall Ranch
After a day of exploring Yosemite, Firefall Ranch is here for you to relax and have some good old-fashioned fun! From nightly fireside s’mores and stargazing to classic games and wine tasting, there’s a full spectrum of activities for everyone. You’re free to play your way, every day.
