AUGUST 2016 RECREATION & ACTIVITIES (schedule and activities subject to weather and changing conditions – visit Recreation Desk for updates)

www.rushcreeklodge.com (209) 379-2373 [email protected]

GUIDED RECREATION

TOURING & HIKING Big Trees Hike & Swim Experience the unique beauty and majesty of the western Sierra on this half day adventure to Yosemite’s Giant Sequoias. This 3-mile round trip historic walk takes you along one of the first roads into Yosemite, past countless wildflowers and into a grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest living tree species on Earth! Just as the day starts to heat up we’ll head deeper into Yosemite for lunch beside one of our favorite swimming holes.

Offered most days, 9:15am-2:15pm, $95 adults, $65 youth.

Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Tour (with Optional Hike) The quintessential Yosemite tour. This spectacular and wide-ranging tour takes you high above the floor to magnificent Glacier Point. Enjoy unparalleled views of Yosemite Valley, then continue on with a memorable tour of the Valley, visiting impressive waterfalls, scenic vistas and other famous attractions. You’ll have the option to enjoy a spectacular self-guided hike down the famous to the Valley floor on this trip that combines our popular Valley Tour with hiker drop-off and pick-up. Offered most days, 9:15am-4:45pm, $125 adults, $75 youth.

Yosemite High Country Naturalist Tour Experience the unforgettable, breathtaking and serene High Country. This special tour takes you to the Park’s less traveled High Country, where we visit scenic vistas, take short walks and relax among pristine lakes, meadows, rivers, granite domes and peaks. Offered most days, 8:45am-4:45pm, $125 adults, $75 youth.

Half Dome Journey

Are you ready for one of the most enduring challenges in Yosemite, but missed the permit deadlines? We’ve got you covered! This bucket list day hike encompasses roughly 17 miles with 4,800 feet in elevation gain from the Valley Floor to the summit of . The view from the summit is one of the most rewarding experiences in the Park, and the journey to the top is one of the most memorable. Offered August 29th and September 4th, inquire at Recreation Desk for additional availability, 5:45am-6:45pm, $210

adults, $160 youth (12-16).

Wonders of Yosemite Naturalist Tour Enjoy the beauty and grandeur of Yosemite during our unique combination Yosemite Valley and Giant Sequoia guided naturalist tour. This two-in-one tour offers an unparalleled Yosemite experience, from dramatic waterfalls, endless wildflowers and stunning panoramas to majestic Giant Sequoia trees. Offered most days, 9am-5:30pm, $125 adult, $75 youth

Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour at Yosemite Cellars Sit back and relax while we take you to Yosemite Cellars, just down the road. Join us for an afternoon of wine, cheese and a tour of a beautiful local vineyard.

Offered Fridays, 4:45-7:45pm, $75 adults, $25 youth.

Adventure Series Hike to Magnificent Mono Pass

Come with us on an adventure in the very heart of the Yosemite High Country. This 7.4 mile (round trip) trail takes you through pristine Lodgepole Pine forests and alpine meadows to the edge of the timberline! The spectacular hike places you on the crest of the , one of the nation’s most inaccessible and rugged mountain ranges.

Offered most days, 8:45am-4:45pm, $125 adults, $75 youth (12-14).

VISIT THE RECREATION CENTER ACTIVITY DESK FOR TRIP DETAILS.

HOMEMADE SANDWICHES & SALADS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE GENERAL STORE FOR YOUR GUIDED TRIPS OR SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES!

GUIDED RECREATION & WELLNESS

STARGAZING Star Parties at Evergreen Lodge Join Clark at our sister property, Evergreen Lodge, for a guided tour through the night’s sky with state of the art tracking telescopes! Explore the craters on the moon, Algol-the eye of Medusa, the rings around Saturn and the Milky Way while listening to fun facts, mythology, and even a little history about America’s space program! Sunday Evenings, Times Vary. $25 Adults, $15 youth.

Private Stargazing at Evergreen Lodge: Prices start at $160 total for the first 1-2 people

FLY FISHING Private Full & Half Day Fly Fishing Trips Our Private Fly Fishing trips allow every experience level to find just what they need in order to obtain the upper hand in the Yosemite area. Our knowledgeable guides get you away from all the crowds of Yosemite’s main tourist attractions, as you fly fish in pristine locations around the park. Advance reservation required, visit the Recreation Desk for details. Private Half Day Fly Fishing Trips: Prices start at $325 Private Full Day Fly Fishing Trips: Prices start at $400

PHOTO TOURS Full Day Photo Workshops & Half Day Photo Shoots Join professional photographer, biologist and naturalist Robb Hirsch on a private customized photography expedition. A variety of trips are available depending on the goals and abilities of the participant(s). Trips are suited for moderate to advanced amateurs who want to improve their photography skills and shoot in some of the most beautiful and lesser known locations in and around Yosemite. Advance reservation required. See Recreation Desk for details.

RAFTING Full Day Trips on the Tuolumne Experience the exhilaration of the finest whitewater rafting in the state on the beautiful and remote Tuolumne River (class III to V). The Tuolumne is known for its consistent rocky, technical drops and its remote wilderness setting! Great for adventurous first timers and experienced rafters over 12. Offered daily, times and prices vary. Please check with Recreation Desk for details.

WELLNESS Therapeutic Massage at Evergreen Lodge After a hard day of play in the great outdoors, enjoy an indulgent full body massage by our certified massage therapist, who offers a blend of traditional European modalities as well as shiatsu, sports massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology and therapeutic relaxation massage. Chair massage is also available selected evenings. Advance reservation required.

30, 60 & 90 minute sessions available. See Recreation Desk for details.

RENTALS, ETC.  Electric Bike Rentals! See Recreation Desk for details.  Bikes and Mountain Stroller Rentals  Trekking Poles, Daypacks and Kid Carrier Rentals  YARTS Passes Available

BANDS & EVENTS Rush Creek Lodge Poolside Chill Time:  Thursday, August 4th: Three Times Bad, 6pm, Pool  Thursday, August 11th: Steven Graves Band, 6pm, Pool  Thursday, August 18th: Scott Cooper, 6pm, Pool  Thursday, August 25th: Muddy Pool, 6pm, Pool

 Wednesday, Friday & Sundays: Sophie Bijjani, 6pm, Pool

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Monday  Nature Crafts – Sun Prints: 3-5pm, Pick up your Sun Print Kit at Recreation Desk. Use the sun to create beautiful personalized artwork pieces!  Intro to Yosemite: 6-6:30pm, Meet at Recreation Desk. Join our knowledgeable naturalists for information about our favorite hikes, directions to the best sightseeing spots and local treasures. Get updated weather and road conditions as well as details on our guided hikes and tours available during your stay!  S’mores: 7-9pm, Outdoor Fireplace  Trivia! 9pm, Tavern

Tuesday  Nature Crafts - Birdhouses: 3-5pm, Pick Up Birdhouse at Recreation Desk. Paint and create a home for our feathered friends! ($10)  Intro to Yosemite: 6-6:30pm, Meet at Recreation Desk. Join our knowledgeable naturalists for information about our favorite hikes, directions to the best sightseeing spots and local treasures. Get updated weather and road conditions as well as details on our guided hikes and tours available during your stay!  Miwok Stories by the Fire: 7:30-8pm, Outdoor Fireplace  S’mores: 7-9pm, Outdoor Fireplace Wednesday  Nature Crafts – Snakes & Reptiles: 3-5pm, By the Pool. Learn about the Sierra Reptiles while painting a creation of your own!  Yosemite Talk - The Story Behind the Destruction: 6-6:30pm, Meet at Recreation Desk. Join us for a brief, educational talk about the 2013 Rim Fire. Q & A after!

 S’mores: 7-9pm, Outdoor Fireplace Thursday  Nature Crafts – Crack Your Own Geodes: 3-5pm, Pick Up Geodes at Recreation Desk. Pick out your own Geode and crack it open to reveal its own special beauty! ($5)  Intro to Yosemite: 6-6:30pm, Meet at Recreation Desk. Join our knowledgeable naturalists for information about our favorite hikes, directions to the best sightseeing spots and local treasures. Get updated weather and road conditions as well as details on our guided hikes and tours available during your stay!  S’mores: 7-9pm, Outdoor Fireplace Friday  Nature Craft – Bee Aware: Two Sessions – 3 & 4pm, Pick Up Honey Sticks at Recreation Desk. Learn all about bees and their relation to our food! ($5)  Intro to Yosemite: 6-6:30pm, Meet at Recreation Desk. Join our knowledgeable naturalists for information about our favorite hikes, directions to the best sightseeing spots and local treasures. Get updated weather and road conditions as well as details on our guided hikes and tours available during your stay!  Yosemite Adventure Theater: 6-7:30pm, Meet at Recreation Desk. Calling all kids! Join Director, Virgil Tooks, for an hour of fun, creativity and performing arts. Then turn your favorite Yosemite moments into a theatrical performance!  S’mores: 7-9pm, Outdoor Fireplace

Saturday  Tie Dye! 3-5pm, Poolside ($10, includes logo tee shirt – buy at Rec Desk)  Intro to Yosemite: 6-6:30pm, Meet at Recreation Desk. Join our knowledgeable naturalists for information about our favorite hikes, directions to the best sightseeing spots and local treasures. Get updated weather and road conditions as well as details on our guided hikes and tours available during your stay!  Outdoor Bingo! 7:30-8pm, Poolside. Win Prizes!!  S’mores: 7-9pm, Outdoor Fireplace Sunday  Nature Crafts – Humming Bird Feeders: 3-5pm, Pick Up Kit at Recreation Center. Learn about our local Humming Birds and make your very own feeder to hang on your porch!  Yosemite Rim Fire Talk - The Story Behind the Destruction: 6-6:30pm, Meet at Recreation Desk. Join us for a brief, educational talk about the 2013 Rim Fire. Q & A after!  S’mores: 7-9pm, Outdoor Fireplace