FAQs
Question
Do I need a reservation to enter the Yosemite National Park?
Answer
If you are interested in entering the Yosemite National Park during your stay, you will need to use their new reservation system (see below). Basically, some reservations will be released this Friday, Jan 5 at 8am and the rest will be released 7 days before your entrance into the park. Rush Creek is outside of the actual park, so you do not need to make a reservation. This is only if you want to visit the national park. However, reservations are not required for Hetch Hetchy OR if you take the YARTS bus. There is a YARTS bus stop right at Rush Creek Lodge that takes you into the park. No reservations are required for cars driving into the park after 4p. Please reference below for more info or click here: https://www.rushcreeklodge.com/yosemite-planning/travel-alert-updates/ _______________________________________________ This year, the National Park Service will continue experimenting with temporary "Peak-Hour Reservation" systems for day-use visitors driving into Yosemite on select days. PEAK HOUR RESERVATION DATES Apr 13 - Jun 30 & Aug 17 - Oct 27 weekends/holidays, 5am - 4pm only If you would like to drive your own car into Yosemite during these dates and hours, you will need to reserve a peak hour entry ticket in advance at recreation.gov. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Jan 5th at 8am Pacific Time on recreation.gov. Additional entry tickets will be released 7 days prior to each arrival date. Rest assured that if you are not able to obtain a peak hours entry ticket this summer, you will always be able to access the Park without a reservation after 4pm, as well as through several exceptions to the reservation program (see details below). ---EXCEPTIONS--- You do not need to reserve a Peak Hours entry ticket if you are: - Participating in one of our professionally guided excursions - Visiting the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite - Riding the YARTS bus between Rush Creek Lodge and Yosemite Village
Question
Do I have to stay at Rush Creek? Are there other hotels in the area?
Answer
You are absolutely not obligated to stay at Rush Creek Lodge, but it is highly recommended for ease and convenience. If you are interested in other lodging, check out our "Accommodations" page for recommendations to fit all budgets.
Question
Is the wedding inside or outside?
Answer
Both the ceremony and reception will be held outside (weather permitting). The weather in Yosemite in May is usually nice and warm during the day, and dips down to 60s at night. Heat lamps will be provided if necessary, but definitely bring a jacket just in case!
Question
Are there grocery stores nearby? Where do I eat?
Answer
There are small convenience stores in the area, but not a lot of options. I recommend bringing what you need (like food, snacks, drinks etc). Rush Creek Lodge has a restaurant and bar on-site, as well as a general store for any on-the-go items. All rooms have a mini-fridge, coffee and tea. The general store is open 6:30a to 10p, and serves coffee in addition to hot or cold breakfast items, sandwiches, meats & cheeses, and snacks. They also sell beer and wine.
Question
What's the parking sitch? Can I charge my car there?
Answer
Parking on-site at Rush Creek is free. There are ChargePoint electric car chargers available onsite. Additionally, there are Tesla Superchargers in Downtown Groveland on the way up to Rush Creek Lodge. For additional info on electric charging, please contact the front desk at (209) 379-2373.