The Glamorous Side of Yosemite
The Spa at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa Yosemite: What to Know Before You Visit
I’ve been to Yosemite National Park many times over the years but it was always to camp in tents on the ground, sometimes even in snow. I’m all about the outdoors. I love getting out on a dirt trail, losing cell service… nothing but me, the panormic views, and the sounds of nature. A little dirt and roughing it never discouraged me. However, I have discovered a precious hidden gem located right at the back door of Yosmite, and I have been forever changed!
Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is surrounded by towering pines, nestled in the foothills of the stunning Sierra Nevada less than a mile from Yosemite’s west entrance. It is designed with both rustic charm and luxury in mind boasting a world-class spa that makes it the ideal location to retreat to after a long day hiking in the park and fighting the crowds.
Who says you have to choose between outdoor adventure and luxury when visiting Yosemite? At Rush Creek, you can spend the morning hiking to waterfalls and the afternoon soaking in a world-class spa.
Rush Creek Spa at a Glance
📍 Location: Just outside Yosemite's west entrance
💆 Known For: Luxury spa inspired by Yosemite's natural beauty
⏰ Time Needed: 4 hours (day pass) or a full day with treatment
💵 Day Pass: Starting around $65
👨👩👧 Good For: Couples, solo travelers, girls' trips, families (morning hours)
⭐ Don't Miss: Granite mineral hot tub, warm waterfall cove, Himalayan salt sauna
Table of Contents
❤️ Who Will Love Rush Creek Spa?
The Spa at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is perfect for:
🥾 Hikers looking to soothe sore muscles after a day exploring Yosemite
❤️ Couples planning a romantic getaway
👯 Girls' trips (I visited with my daughters, and it ended up being the highlight of our trip!)
🌲 Anyone wanting a little luxury after days spent in nature
🚗 Day visitors who aren't staying at Rush Creek (thanks to day passes)
What to Expect at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa
The Spa at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is a seamless blend of sophistication and nature designed in the essence of Yosemite’s grandeur - rushing waterfalls, warm granite rock, smooth river rocks softened with time, scents of eucalyptus and lemon grass, and mineral hot springs.
👉 If you’re looking for a more detailed itinerary to Yosemite that includes Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, get my Complete 5-Day Yosemite Itinerary.
Where is Rush Creek Spa?
Rush Creek Spa is located at the incredible Rush Creek Lodge & Spa in Central California in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Tuolumne County at 34001 CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321. It sits just outside Yosemite National Park’s west entrance off Highway 120 West, about a half-mile from the park boundary nestled in the trees and natural beauty of the surrounding area.
What is Rush Creek Lodge like to stay at?
The Lodge at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa boasts 143 rooms, suites, and hilside villas spread out across 20 acres of land set among pine forest and rolling hills with an incredible list of amenities.
There is an on-site restaurant, tavern, poolside bar, general store, guest lounge, outdoor fire pits, and impressive indoor game room with foosball, lever hockey, a pool table, tree house jungle gym, and more. There are outdoor play areas with ziplines, a full-size heated pool, and an outdoor jacuzzi. The lodge also offers incredible daily excursions to make the most of your Yosemite trip!
The highlight of Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is undoubtedly its award-winning spa. Covering more than 5,000 square feet, it's a sanctuary for relaxation and self-reflection that evokes a sense of calm from the moment you step inside.
Inspired by the park’s natural waterfalls, granite cliffs, forests and rushing rivers, the Spa mirrors the natural beauty of Yosemite through its architecture and design.
👉 Planning to stay the night? Get my complete Rush Creek Lodge & Spa guide with everything you need to know to make the most of your stay.
Tips for Visiting The Spa Rush Creek Lodge & Spa
Here are a few things to know before you visit the Spa to make your experience as relaxing and seamless as possible.
Wear comfortable swimwear. Robes and slippers will be provided, and there are lockers for your belongings.
The locker room provides complimentary toiletries in case you forgot something.
Day passes allow you to enjoy almost all of the spa’s amentities in four hour time increments.
If you book a full spa service i.e. a full-body massage, it includes an all day pass.
Family day use hours are 8-11 am daily when children 6 and older are welcome. Kids under 3 are not allowed.
If you are looking for a more relaxing, adult-only spa experience, book in the afternoon or evening. Evening is less crowded and you will enjoy the stunning golden hour lighting.
The Spa is ADA compliant including a pool lift for the granite mineral hot tub.
Bring a book to read while relaxing in the open air lounge, or borrow one from the Spa.
✨ Pro Tip: When first arriving at the Spa, you might feel confused about what to do. Don’t worry. The friendly staff will take you on a quick tour to familiarize you with Spa and there are laminated guides which provide suggestions on what to do and the order in which to do it depening on what type of experience you are looking for.
Day Passes for the Spa at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa
Day passes are available and generally provide 4 hours of access to enjoy the spa. You can also obtain a complimentary all-day pass with certain spa treatments including the highly-recommended full body Swedish massage.
✨ Pro Tip: Family day use hours occur in the mornings, so if you’re not traveling with kids, I recommend booking in the late afternoon or evening. Evenings are especially beautiful during twilight when the golden light of the sunset casts a peaceful ambiance.
What’s Included With a Day Pass
🧘 Sensory Meditation Room – A quiet space with soothing lights and sounds designed to help you slow down, clear your mind, and fully relax before or after your treatments.
🌿 Aromatherapy Steam Room – Breathe in calming eucalyptus and lemongrass-infused steam while the warmth helps soothe tired muscles.
💦 Warm Waterfall Cove – Stand beneath a cascading waterfall that gently massages your shoulders and back. It was one of my favorite places to unwind after a long day of hiking in Yosemite.
🧂 Himalayan Salt Sauna – A dry sauna lined with Himalayan salt bricks, complete with refreshing cold neck towels to help cool you down between sessions.
❄️ Cool Mist Room – Alternate between cool mist and warm showers to refresh your body after the heat of the sauna and steam room.
♨️ Granite Mineral Hot Tub & Waterfall – Soak in the warm mineral waters while listening to the peaceful sounds of the nearby waterfall. After two straight days of hiking in Yosemite, this was exactly what my body needed.
🪨 Heated Zero Gravity Stone Chaise Lounges – Warm stone loungers designed to cradle your body while you relax. I could have happily stayed here for hours.
🌲 Open-Air Outdoor Lounge – Unwind in a peaceful outdoor setting surrounded by towering pines and the fresh mountain air of the Sierra Nevada.
🍵 Complimentary Tea Bar, Water & Towels – Enjoy unlimited herbal tea and water throughout your visit, with plush towels provided so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
✨ Pro Tip: Start your visit in the Sensory Meditation Room. It will help you unwind and set the tone for the rest of your visit. If you're unsure where to go next, don't worry. The Spa provides suggested itineraries that guide you through the recommended order of amenities based on the type of experience you're looking for - relaxation, recovery, or rejuvenation.
❤️ Jen's Favorites: If I had to choose, I'd spend my time rotating between the Warm Waterfall Cove, the Granite Mineral Hot Tub, and the Heated Zero Gravity Stone Chaise Lounges. After hiking in Yosemite all day, they were absolute heaven.
Add-On Services & Treatments at The Spa at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa
In addition to day passes, Rush Creek’s award winning spa also offers a full range of services.
Massages Offered:
Signature Massage - Swedish techniques, hot stones, sound therpay, and chakra crystal treatment. You even get to keep the chakra stones.
Hiker’s Delight - full body massage with customized pressure.
Deep Tissue Massage - intense therapeutic massage.
Synergy Hot Stone - full body Swedish massage with heated basalt river stones and oils.
Pregnancy Massage
Hand, Foot and/or Scalp Massages
Massage Enhancements & Add-Ons
Hand & Foot Cocoon(s)
Dry Brushing
Collagen Eye Mask
Hair Mask
Gel Face Mask and Jade Roller
Chakra Energy Balancing Stone Treatment
Additional Treatments Available
Magnesium Foot Soak
Magnesium, Shea Butter Foot Scrub & Massage
Chair Massage
DIY facial, lip and under eye masks available
Other Rush Creek Spa Amenities
In addition to all of the incredible treatment options, the Spa also offers full bar, drink, and food service from the resort’s on-site restaurant and tavern delivered right to you.
The Spa provides complimentary plush robes, comfortable slippers, an endless supply of towels, water and tea service, and state-of-the-art locker rooms with complimentary products in case you forgot something. There is also a cute gift shop with all kinds of fun items as well as wellness products to use there or take home.
Looking to host a private spa experience?
Rush Creek has you covered. They offer private events and use of the Spa for intimate celebrations with loved ones, exclusive spa experiences with family and friends, and your next girl’s day out. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rush Creek Spa Yosemite Amenities — What’s Included in a Day Pass?
A Spa Day Pass provides full access to the Rush Creek Spa including 4 hours of access to enjoy all the spa offers including sensory meditation room, aromatherapy steam room, warm waterfall cove, himalayan salt sauna, cool mist room, granite mineral hot tub, heated zero gravity stone chaise lounges, and outdoor lounge.
How much does a Rush Creek Spa Day Pass cost?
Day Passes at Rush Creek Spa typically cost around $65 for a half day.
When is the besttime to visit Rush Creek Spa?
The best time to visit Rush Creek Spa is during the off season and weekdays. Yosemite National Park gets very crowded especially during the summer and the resort is often at full capacity during that time.
Is Rush Creek Spa Worth It?
Absolutely. This is a world class Spa. It’s rare to find one that offers Day Passes that give you access to so many features. When I took my daughters to Yosemite, the place they still talk about isn’t the national park — it’s Rush Creek Spa. It was the highlight of our trip, and I can’t wait to go back.
