The Glamorous Side of Yosemite

Written By Jennifer Curnutt

The World-Class Spa at Rush Creek - A Hidden Gem

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 knew that you could mix a little outdoor adventure at Yosemite with a hefty dose of pampering?

ABOUT THE LODGE AND 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.

Location - Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is located 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.

The Lodge 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.

Rush Creek offers incredible guided tours and excursions with knowledgeable rec guides including national park driving and hiking tours, rafting adventures, snowshoeing, flight tours, guided fly fishing, jeep tours, and more.

Daily on-site activities include arts and crafts, nightly s’mores, stargazing, beer tasting, glass blowing, paint parties, basket weaving, cross-stitch, beading, and yoga . They even offer onsite bicycle, paddle board, and snowshoe rentals. They literally have it all.

However, none of these other amenities can hold a candle to its spa. The Spa at Rush Creek is a sanctuary for relaxation and self-reflection. Covering over 5,000 square feet, it evokes a sense of calm that must be experienced to fully appreciate it. 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.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE 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 spas 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.

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

Day passes are availalbe 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. Again, 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:

  • Sensory meditation room

  • Aromatherapy steam room

  • Warm waterfall cove

  • Himalayan salt sauna with cold neck towels

  • Cool mist room with alternating cold and warm showers

  • Granite mineral hot tub and waterfall

  • Heated zero gravity stone chaise lounges

  • Open air outdoor lounge

  • Complimentary tea bar, towels, and water

ADD-ON SERVICES AND TREATMENTS

In addition to day passes, Rush Creek’s award winning spa also offers a full range of servies.

Massage Options:

  • 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 Enhancments:

  • Hand & Foot Cocoon(s)

  • Dry Brushing

  • Collagen Eye Mask

  • Hair Mask

  • Gel Face Mask and Jade Roller

  • Chakra Energy Balancing Stone Treatment

Additional Treatments:

  • ,Magnesium Foot Soak

  • Magnesium, Shea Butter Foot Scrub & Massage

  • Chair Massage

  • DIY facial, lip and under eye masks available

OTHER 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.

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Jennifer Curnutt
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