Yosemite National Park | Springtime Ventures & Rushcreek Lodge

After yet another exhilarating festival weekend down in Indio, California, we promptly embarked on phase 2 of our USA roady to the mighty, Yosemite National Park! Best known for its towering giants, El Capitan and Half Dome, we were delighted to see climbers on the granite cliffs upon entering the park gates, with nothing but the night sky and sprinkle of stars as their backdrop.

We were stoked with our accomodation at the newly built, Rush Creek Lodge, nestled halfway between Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy. Nothing quite beats a warm, fireplace welcome after slogging 10 hours on the road with sickly compadres 😂 (More on our lodging later.)

Springtime in Yosemite Valley means waterfalls and loads of them! Our first full day was spent exploring the valley floor, hiking the Mist Trail and getting lost on the search for the elusive, Artist’s Point. We were lucky to have warm, sunny days (26ºC high) and minimal crowds as we were visiting in the shoulder season.

Yosemite Valley Highlights

The scenic drive through Yosemite Valley offers many places to stop for photos, with some of my favourites pictured below. There is a general store and cafe within Half Dome Village to satisfy your snack/lunch needs, and you can fill your water bottle there or at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre.

Mist Trail Loop Track (to Vernal Falls, return via John Muir Trail)

The Mist Trail is popular for a reason – it’s challenging, exhilarating, and full of varied landscape from start to finish. Beginning at the parking lot at Curry Village, head towards shuttle stop 16 and across the bridge to the Mist Trail sign and trailhead. 1 mile into the hike, you will see the John Muir trail diverge to your right (where you will return from), and the Mist Trail continue forward and upwards towards the steep granite stairway. The 600 step climb to Vernal Falls is a tough but enjoyable one, especially on a hot day! Whether you brave the spray or don a trusty rain jacket, the refreshing waterfall mist will get you to the top for some epic, plunging views.

To return via the John Muir Trail, continue up towards Nevada Falls on the Mist Trail alongside Liberty Cap, and follow the signs to Clark Point. You will gradually curve right and towards the way you came, with signs at Clark Point directing you onto the John Muir Trail back to the start point. Return time ~3-4 hours

Artist’s Point Trail

Artist’s Point offers an alternative view from the heavily trafficked Tunnel View, and is a moderate climb as long as you don’t get lost! Starting from the Tunnel View Carpark on the mountain side of the road, follow the signs marked for Inspiration and Glacier Points, and climb 1 mile up through a series of switchbacks until you reach a creek and a sign that says ‘Inspiration Point 0.6 miles’. Turn left at this sign and you will begin downhill past the ‘Bridalveil Fall Parking Area’ sign for 30 minutes before reaching the viewpoint. Return time ~1.5 hours

Alternatively, if you continue the climb up to Inspiration Point (like we accidentally did!), you will reach a clearing with multiple further trailheads.

Hetch Hetchy

Our second morning was spent at O’Shaughnessy Dam and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The trail from the parking lot crosses the dam before entering a tunnel (watch out for large puddles!) and continuing around the edge of the reservoir. You can go as far as you like, visiting waterfalls and gaining some great vantage points.

Doubling back to the admission gate, we parked on the side of the road and headed into the forest in search of the trail to Lookout Point. Although the views here do not compare to those overlooking Yosemite Valley, if you’re after a short 1-2 hour return hike on a path less travelled, this one hits the spot. At the top, you will be treated to 360 degree views of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Wapoma Falls in the distance. Whenever there is a fork in the trail, take a left turn, and watch out for swampy patches.

Note: There is no general store or visitor centre in this part of the park, but the ranger at the gate will point you in the right direction for trailheads and bathroom facilities.

Rush Creek Lodge

Residing smack bang in the middle of, and 40 minutes from both Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy, the location of Rush Creek Lodge can’t be beat if you plan on visiting both parts of Yosemite National Park. We hit the jackpot with off-season, winter prices, despite conditions being warm, sunny and pool worthy. Our two bedroom cabins were very warm and spacious with a deck, electric fireplace, heatpump, large bathroom, kettle (essential!), Keurig, and Rush Creek’s own body wash, shampoo and conditioner.

The grounds are beautiful featuring a creekside walk, s’mores fire pit, pool, hot tubs, ping pong table, outdoor fireplaces, flying fox, shuffle board and pond. There are two restaurants (shared kitchen), a general store with merchandise, supplies and sandwiches, a games room and a lounge. Needless to say, there is plenty to keep you busy in the event of bad weather or if you’re just after a bit of R n’ R. Our favourite was roasting s’mores, despite all the failed attempts! From 6-8pm every day, the lodge will have Graham crackers, marsh mellows and Hershey’s chocolate laid out waiting for you 🙂

For a live take on our adventures, check out the Yosemite and Big Sur video below. Next up on the blog, our road trip through Monterey County 💪🏻😎