Yosemite Facelift
Yosemite's Annual Park-wide CleanupIt's our honor to partner with our friends at the Yosemite Climbing Association on Yosemite's largest annual Park-wide cleanup event that takes place over several days in late September each year. In 2022 we went even further and started a local activation with the Groveland Facelift, to help expand cleanup efforts beyond the Park boundaries and into our local gateway.
At Rush Creek Spa we kicked off our "Trade Trash for Spa Treatments" initiative where Facelift volunteers can be rewarded with a complimentary Magnesium Foot Soak that includes Spa Day Use. It's a pretty sweet deal, extra love for our guests who show extra love for our Park.
At Rush Creek Spa we kicked off our "Trade Trash for Spa Treatments" initiative where Facelift volunteers can be rewarded with a complimentary Magnesium Foot Soak that includes Spa Day Use. It's a pretty sweet deal, extra love for our guests who show extra love for our Park.
At a Glance
- Yosemite's largest annual cleanup
- Volunteer for an hour, a day, or more
- Trade trash for Spa time
- Yosemite Facelift September 25-29, 2024
- Groveland Facelift September 14, 2024
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Whether you're staying in one of our cozy Guest Rooms or our Hillside Villa you'll have full access to all resort amenities, with no Hidden Resort fees, which is an awesome way to start and end your day when volunteering to care for our beloved Yosemite National Park.
Upon arrival you'll receive your Recreation Calendar outlining all the amazing activities available during your stay, including our nightly tradition of fireside s'mores. You can head to our heated saltwater pool and hot tub, stretch your legs on one of our local trails, or wander into any of our extensive indoor or outdoor play areas.
In order to volunteer for Yosemite Facelift or Groveland Facelift...
Upon arrival you'll receive your Recreation Calendar outlining all the amazing activities available during your stay, including our nightly tradition of fireside s'mores. You can head to our heated saltwater pool and hot tub, stretch your legs on one of our local trails, or wander into any of our extensive indoor or outdoor play areas.
In order to volunteer for Yosemite Facelift or Groveland Facelift...
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...it helps to register with Yosemite Climbing Association ahead of time. Day-of registration is fine, but it really helps our friends at YCA prepare with the right number of pick-up sticks, safety vests and bags.
We also provide complimentary coffee, pastries and fruit each morning, plus cool drinks in the afternoon. Each day concludes with a celebration that includes live music, climbing-related movies & presentations, prize drawings and uplifting comradery with fellow volunteers of all ages from all over the globe.
For Groveland Facelift, we partner with the US Forest Service for help with maps and locations that need the most attention.
Other friends from Leave No Trace and Visit Tuolumne County are also there to add to the fun and excitement.
We also provide complimentary coffee, pastries and fruit each morning, plus cool drinks in the afternoon. Each day concludes with a celebration that includes live music, climbing-related movies & presentations, prize drawings and uplifting comradery with fellow volunteers of all ages from all over the globe.
For Groveland Facelift, we partner with the US Forest Service for help with maps and locations that need the most attention.
Other friends from Leave No Trace and Visit Tuolumne County are also there to add to the fun and excitement.
OFFER DETAILS
The fine print is simple. The earlier you book, the more you save on your nightly rate. For our Best Rate Guarantee remember to book directly with us on this site, call our local reservationists at (209) 379-2606, or email us at info@rushcreeklodge.com.
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To volunteer for either Yosemite Facelift or Groveland Facelift, please register with Yosemite Climbing Association ahead of time. Day-of registration is fine, but it really helps our friends at YCA prepare with the right number of pick-up sticks, safety vests and bags.
Your lodging reservation is all you need for a spectacular Yosemite adventure, with no hidden Resort Fees. From basics such as free parking and free Wi-Fi, to Pool Area access and a wide variety of Daily Activities throughout the property's many indoor and outdoor spaces, including nightly fireside s'mores roasting!
Your lodging reservation is all you need for a spectacular Yosemite adventure, with no hidden Resort Fees. From basics such as free parking and free Wi-Fi, to Pool Area access and a wide variety of Daily Activities throughout the property's many indoor and outdoor spaces, including nightly fireside s'mores roasting!
Enhance Your Stay
Trip Ideas
One of the great things about Yosemite Facelift is that you can volunteer as little or as much as you like. No matter what, your efforts are appreciated. So if you're able to get away for several days in September, here are a variety of trip ideas from our guides and our guests to help make planning easy for you.
DAY 1: FUN AT THE LODGE
With your scenic drive to Yosemite in the rearview mirror, it's time to settle in at the lodge and let the good times roll! There are fun surprises around every corner for play, relaxation and discovery.
Our 2,000 square foot saltwater swimming pool and two hot tubs provide ample space for adults and children alike to relax and refresh after the day's journey. Relax poolside with your party in the shade of one of our umbrellas or catch some sun rays and grab a refreshing cocktail or mocktail from our Pool Bar.
Keep it casual on your first night and roll into our Tavern for some good times with fellow travelers and colorful local characters.
As the sun begins to set, enjoy our nightly tradition of complimentary s’mores by our outdoor fire pits, and watch the night sky begin to reveal a spectacular display of stars, unlike anything you’ll ever see among bright city lights.
Pool Time
Our 2,000 square foot saltwater swimming pool and two hot tubs provide ample space for adults and children alike to relax and refresh after the day's journey. Relax poolside with your party in the shade of one of our umbrellas or catch some sun rays and grab a refreshing cocktail or mocktail from our Pool Bar.
Dinner in the Tavern
Keep it casual on your first night and roll into our Tavern for some good times with fellow travelers and colorful local characters.
S'mores & Stargazing
As the sun begins to set, enjoy our nightly tradition of complimentary s’mores by our outdoor fire pits, and watch the night sky begin to reveal a spectacular display of stars, unlike anything you’ll ever see among bright city lights.
DAY 2: YOSEMITE VALLEY OR HIGH COUNTRY
Time to explore the wide-open spaces of Yosemite!
Fuel up for the day’s adventures with a hearty mountain breakfast from our Restaurant served in our outdoor dining areas. Then head over to our General Store to pack your trail lunch for the day with our freshly-made sandwiches and wraps, delicious salad medleys, and other tasty provisions.
If this is your first visit, you'll probably want to explore one of the most iconic areas of Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Valley.
If you’ve already been to Yosemite Valley, we highly recommend you visit the pristine and magnificent Yosemite High Country and Tuolumne Meadows, which is only road-trip accessible during Summer months. Stop by our Rec Desk for help planning your own drive, or you can join one of our professionally guided adventures such as our Yosemite High Country Naturalist Tour, Mono Pass Naturalist Hike, or May Lake & Mount Hoffmann Naturalist Hike.
After an amazing day exploring Yosemite, enjoy the amenities at Evergreen specifically designed to relax you after a long day.
Let your competitive side out with our wide array of outdoor games like shuffleboard, table tennis, giant chess, bocce ball, and more. Or maybe you’d like to indulge in a massage to soothe your muscles so you’ll be ready for your next day of adventures.
Evergreen’s culinary team serves freshly prepared delicious items you can enjoy in any of our outdoor dining areas or back at your room in the privacy of your own deck. The kitchen is buzzing with energy, putting out amazing dishes to end your day on a high note with classic mountain lodge cuisine plus some unexpected twists on more modern dishes.
Individually packaged s’mores await you to end your day in Yosemite the sweetest way possible. Once the sun sets, our heated saltwater pool and hot tub is the perfect place for stargazing with an unobstructed view of the night sky. Insider Tip: Check in with the Recreation Team to see which stars or planets are particularly visible during your visit!
Breakfast
Fuel up for the day’s adventures with a hearty mountain breakfast from our Restaurant served in our outdoor dining areas. Then head over to our General Store to pack your trail lunch for the day with our freshly-made sandwiches and wraps, delicious salad medleys, and other tasty provisions.
Yosemite Valley or High Country
If this is your first visit, you'll probably want to explore one of the most iconic areas of Yosemite National Park: Yosemite Valley.
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- Participate in one of our partial or full-day excursions, all with guaranteed Park entry. See the wide array of tours, hikes, and other adventures in our online trip planner at EvergreenLodge.com/Explore or email our Recreation Desk at recreation@evergreenlodge.com
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- For a more budget-friendly yet comfortable way to enjoy the ride to/from Yosemite Valley, the YARTS buses stop at Rush Creek, our sister property, and cost only $14 round trip for an Adult, and includes Park entry for both the rider and an accompanying minor at no extra charge.
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- To drive your own vehicle, be sure to stop by our Rec Desk for the latest updates on best routes, timing and Park access.
If you’ve already been to Yosemite Valley, we highly recommend you visit the pristine and magnificent Yosemite High Country and Tuolumne Meadows, which is only road-trip accessible during Summer months. Stop by our Rec Desk for help planning your own drive, or you can join one of our professionally guided adventures such as our Yosemite High Country Naturalist Tour, Mono Pass Naturalist Hike, or May Lake & Mount Hoffmann Naturalist Hike.
Fun at the Lodge
After an amazing day exploring Yosemite, enjoy the amenities at Evergreen specifically designed to relax you after a long day.
Let your competitive side out with our wide array of outdoor games like shuffleboard, table tennis, giant chess, bocce ball, and more. Or maybe you’d like to indulge in a massage to soothe your muscles so you’ll be ready for your next day of adventures.
Dinner
Evergreen’s culinary team serves freshly prepared delicious items you can enjoy in any of our outdoor dining areas or back at your room in the privacy of your own deck. The kitchen is buzzing with energy, putting out amazing dishes to end your day on a high note with classic mountain lodge cuisine plus some unexpected twists on more modern dishes.
S’mores & Stargazing
Individually packaged s’mores await you to end your day in Yosemite the sweetest way possible. Once the sun sets, our heated saltwater pool and hot tub is the perfect place for stargazing with an unobstructed view of the night sky. Insider Tip: Check in with the Recreation Team to see which stars or planets are particularly visible during your visit!
DAY 3: YOSEMITE’S HETCH HETCHY RESERVOIR
After a refreshing night's sleep, get excited to begin the journey to a lesser-traveled part of Yosemite, the Hetch Hetchy region.
Our General Store is brewing up your favorite coffee order along with seasonal specials to get you energized for your day of hiking and exploring. We’ve got all your favorite grab-and-go breakfast fixings to make even the pickiest of eaters satisfied.
Located just a few miles down Evergreen Road, Hetch Hetchy is one of Yosemite’s hidden gems, offering a variety of options from easy day hikes to strenuous backpacking excursions. The easy 2.5 miles (each way) trail to Wapama Falls is a favorite for adults and children alike. This trail, which runs through a rock tunnel and then along the north side of the reservoir, allows visitors to experience the true power and majesty of the Hetch Hetchy waterfalls.
We know firsthand how Yosemite activities create robust appetites, and the culinary team at Rush Creek Lodge is eager to satisfy your hunger and tempt your taste buds with fresh and hearty California mountain lodge cuisine. Tonight is your night to fill up on favorite seasonal items and maybe try something unexpected.
By now you’ve fallen in love with your favorite Rush Creek activities, but why not try something new to wrap up your time with us with an activity you can put on your shelf and be reminded of forever! We offer Glassblowing with our resident expert artist, who makes it easy for anyone ages 8 years and older to execute this phenomenal hands-on activity. Your glass art piece needs overnight cooling, so you'll want to complete this activity tonight and pick up your finished piece on your way out tomorrow.
Breakfast
Our General Store is brewing up your favorite coffee order along with seasonal specials to get you energized for your day of hiking and exploring. We’ve got all your favorite grab-and-go breakfast fixings to make even the pickiest of eaters satisfied.
Hetch Hetchy Day Hike
Located just a few miles down Evergreen Road, Hetch Hetchy is one of Yosemite’s hidden gems, offering a variety of options from easy day hikes to strenuous backpacking excursions. The easy 2.5 miles (each way) trail to Wapama Falls is a favorite for adults and children alike. This trail, which runs through a rock tunnel and then along the north side of the reservoir, allows visitors to experience the true power and majesty of the Hetch Hetchy waterfalls.
Dinner
We know firsthand how Yosemite activities create robust appetites, and the culinary team at Rush Creek Lodge is eager to satisfy your hunger and tempt your taste buds with fresh and hearty California mountain lodge cuisine. Tonight is your night to fill up on favorite seasonal items and maybe try something unexpected.
Evening Activities
By now you’ve fallen in love with your favorite Rush Creek activities, but why not try something new to wrap up your time with us with an activity you can put on your shelf and be reminded of forever! We offer Glassblowing with our resident expert artist, who makes it easy for anyone ages 8 years and older to execute this phenomenal hands-on activity. Your glass art piece needs overnight cooling, so you'll want to complete this activity tonight and pick up your finished piece on your way out tomorrow.
DAY 4: CARLON FALLS DAY HIKE OR SWIM
You're part of the Evergreen family now! Explore like a local on your last morning with us at Carlon Falls, just a few miles down the road and a staff favorite.
After you’ve grabbed one of your favorite hot breakfast items or your usual coffee order from our General Store, you’ll be ready to squeeze in one last hike.
Once on the trail, you’ll actually be walking right into Yosemite National Park, making this a true hidden treasure that few Yosemite visitors ever see. You can choose to do a short and easy 1-hour walk along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, or make a day of it and hike all the way up past the series of waterfalls and swimming holes. The trail follows the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, taking you through a variety of foliage, historic remnants, swimming holes, and cascading falls.
If you’re leaving Evergreen Lodge using Highway 120 West, you’ll pass through the charming Old West town of Groveland. You may want to stop by a locally loved coffee shop, Mountain Sage Coffee & Nursery, where you can sip on lovingly prepared homemade beverages and home-baked goods in their enchanting gardens. You’ll also love the art gallery featuring incredible images and stories created by local photographer, naturalist, and all-around great guy, Robb Hirsch, who also leads our photography workshops in Yosemite.
Until next time, happy trails!
Your friends at the Rush Creek Lodge
Breakfast
After you’ve grabbed one of your favorite hot breakfast items or your usual coffee order from our General Store, you’ll be ready to squeeze in one last hike.
Carlon Falls
Once on the trail, you’ll actually be walking right into Yosemite National Park, making this a true hidden treasure that few Yosemite visitors ever see. You can choose to do a short and easy 1-hour walk along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, or make a day of it and hike all the way up past the series of waterfalls and swimming holes. The trail follows the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, taking you through a variety of foliage, historic remnants, swimming holes, and cascading falls.
On the Road Again…
If you’re leaving Evergreen Lodge using Highway 120 West, you’ll pass through the charming Old West town of Groveland. You may want to stop by a locally loved coffee shop, Mountain Sage Coffee & Nursery, where you can sip on lovingly prepared homemade beverages and home-baked goods in their enchanting gardens. You’ll also love the art gallery featuring incredible images and stories created by local photographer, naturalist, and all-around great guy, Robb Hirsch, who also leads our photography workshops in Yosemite.
Until next time, happy trails!
Your friends at the Rush Creek Lodge
