SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 24, 2016) - The much-anticipated Rush Creek Lodge officially opens today, welcoming guests to the first new resort in the Yosemite region in more than 25 years.
Conveniently located less than a mile from the park's Highway 120 West entrance, Rush Creek Lodge is a scenic three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area and is a sister property to the nearby historic Evergreen Lodge. Nestled on twenty woodland acres, the resort is a superbly designed "destination within a destination" that features 143 rooms, a grand main lodge, restaurant and tavern, a 2,400 square foot, heated, salt water swimming pool and hot tubs with poolside bar, full-service recreation department, general store, meeting and event space and a variety of innovative amenities for entertainment and relaxation."For over a century, Yosemite National Park has been a place where friends and loved ones create lifelong memories, and we are honored to have the opportunity to provide a hospitality experience worthy of this beloved National Park and its visitors," said Lee Zimmerman, a Rush Creek owner. "We are excited to welcome our guests to experience the wonders of Yosemite, and to relax and enjoy the amazing array of amenities and activities that we are creating at Rush Creek for both adults and kids alike."
Outstanding accommodations: The contemporary mountain resort offers Yosemite explorers a new lodging option with 143 tastefully appointed rooms, suites, and hillside villas, each with a deck overlooking nature and most providing a front-row seat to the stunning Sierra sunsets. Inspired by the mountain backdrop, Rush Creek Lodge marries an authentic, timeless feel with modern amenities for a consummate National Park lodge experience that is both relaxed and sophisticated. All rooms feature a stylish sitting area, private bathroom, custom artwork and furnishings, refrigerator and complimentary Wi-Fi and are designed to comfortably accommodate both couples and families.
Recreation and activities: Rush Creek Lodge enables leisure travelers, families and groups to make the most of their visit to Yosemite by offering a rich array of activities both in the Park and at the property. A full-service onsite recreation department helps guests explore Yosemite's icons and hidden gems by providing over thirty professionally guided excursions for all experience and fitness levels, with trips varying seasonally to make the most of Yosemite's ever-changing landscape. Additionally, the resort offers a complimentary "recreation concierge" advice desk and daily on-site activities.
In the Main Lodge, guests will find a spacious lounge with a fireplace and a fun-filled game room. Throughout the property, outdoor seating areas and fireplaces await, as well as play areas and other opportunities for discovery, entertainment and relaxation, including a large salt water pool and two spacious hot tubs (one for families and another just for adults).
Delicious dining: Yosemite activities create robust appetites, and the on-site dining establishments at Rush Creek Lodge are designed to tantalize with seasonal menu items. Featuring the finest available local, organic, and sustainable ingredients, fresh and sophisticated cuisine is served in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including a restaurant with a wood-fired oven and display kitchen, a cozy tavern with an expansive terrace and an inviting pool bar. Freshly made trail-ready items, snacks, and happy hour supplies are also available in the General Store.
Events inspired by nature: Ideal for destination events, retreats and weddings, Rush Creek Lodge features customizable, full-service meeting and event space for groups up to 250. Open air and indoor meeting facilities, including a vaulted ceiling event hall with an outdoor plaza, a poolside BBQ area, multiple dining venues and a hillside amphitheater, can accommodate casual or sophisticated get-togethers throughout the seasons. Rush Creek's on-site catering team tailors plated, buffet and family style meals to each group's needs and desires.
Ideal for unplugging and reconnecting, Rush Creek customizes recreation and activity packages for groups, including guided trips and team building. Rush Creek's varied onsite activities and guest areas promote fun-filled, relaxing, informal interactions, fostering the important connections desired in a group getaway.
Business with a purpose: Rush Creek Lodge continues the social and environmental missions set forth by its sister property, Evergreen Lodge. The resort will be a Certified B Corporation, meeting social sustainability and environmental performance standards. The property's dedication to social enterprise, using business as a force for good, is exemplified by its fully self-funded youth employment program and a host of environmental initiatives. The resort's water re-use program will be one of the most comprehensive commercial greywater systems in California, charging stations will be available for electric vehicles and solar panels will supply a portion of the property's power needs.
With the opening of Rush Creek Lodge, Yosemite National Park gains a new ambassador and launch point for sharing memories for a lifetime, including special occasions and year-round outdoor adventures. Rush Creek Lodge is available for reservations at www.rushcreeklodge.com, via email at info@rushcreeklodge.com or by calling (209) 379-2373.
About Rush Creek Lodge: Rush Creek Lodge is the first new resort to open in the Yosemite National Park area in more than 25 years. Set on twenty woodland acres, less than a mile from the park's Highway 120 West entrance, the new lodge provides a "resort base camp" with a "rustic modern" sensibility at the doorstep of the Park. Rush Creek Lodge is a scenic three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area along Highway 120, the most direct route to Yosemite from the Bay Area, offering year-round access to the Park. A sister property to the Evergreen Lodge, Rush Creek Lodge is owned and operated by First Light Hospitality, based in San Francisco and founded by Brian Anderluh and Lee Zimmerman. For more information, visit www.rushcreeklodge.com.
Source: Rush Creek Lodge
