California · Hiking · Near Yosemite Valley

Rush Creek

6.5 mi
round trip
1,350 ft
climb
4,417 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Rush Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra National Forest. It doesn't name Rush Creek, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Sierra National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Rush Creek is a 6.5-mile out-and-back hike in the Bass Lake Ranger District of Sierra National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from a low point of 3,207 feet to a high of 4,417 feet, a climb of 1,350 feet one way, and it is rated hard. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 80°F with lows near 50°F and only about one wet day a month. That station sits about 630 feet higher than the trail, so temperatures on the route run a little warmer. The trail is on natural surface and bikes are allowed. It is open year-round, and the surrounding area offers plenty to pair with the hike. Bishop Creek Trail and Alder Creek Trail are both within 2 miles, Wawona Campground is about 2.6 miles away, and the South Fork Merced River is roughly 3.4 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Wawona Campground

    Campground

    Sites open the weekend of Nov 6 on Recreation.gov
  • Eat after

    The River Restaurant & Lounge

    Restaurant

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Roosevelt Point

    Viewpoint

    In town

    Scenic viewpoint in Yosemite National Park

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Yosemite Valley

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Rush Creek

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      45° / 27°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      46° / 27°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      50° / 28°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      55° / 31°

      7 wet

    5. May

      63° / 37°

      5 wet

    6. Jun

      73° / 44°

      2 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 51°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      80° / 49°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 45°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 37°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 30°

      6 wet

    12. Dec

      44° / 26°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at So Entrance Yosemite Np, CA, 6.1 mi away at 5,047 ft. The station sits about 600 ft higher than this place, so expect it a little warmer here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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