Summary
Cleanup Effort at Rush Creek Lodge
A hotel near Yosemite National Park is trading trash for spa treatments by pampering guests who volunteer to clean up the park.
Yosemite Facelift Project
The Rush Creek Lodge and Spa, located just half a mile from California’s Highway 120 west entrance, will offer guests who participate in a cleanup project a free magnesium foot soak as a thank you, according to the hotel. This annual cleanup, part of the “facelift” project, is scheduled from Sept. 20 to Sept. 24.
According to the lodge, “Rush Creek Spa has created an exclusive ‘thank you’ experience for lodge guests participating in Facelift. After contributing to the cleanup effort, you’ll receive a complimentary magnesium foot soak at the Spa’s luxurious outdoor lounge, with access to the Spa’s Yosemite-inspired amenities. We hope to welcome you to Yosemite to enjoy some fresh air and warm hospitality while doing something good for our beautiful park.”
Post-Cleanup Pampering Options
The Yosemite Facelift project began 20 years ago and is hosted by the Yosemite Climbing Association. Volunteers wishing to participate this year must register online before Sept. 11.
After cleaning up the park, travelers can pamper themselves beyond just the free foot soak at the lodge’s indoor/outdoor spa, which features a granite waterfall mineral hot tub, a hanging daybed, and warm river rock beds.
Moreover, the lodge is offering guests 10 percent off a weekday stay from Sept. 4 to Oct. 5.
Benefits of Visiting in Autumn
Early fall is widely regarded as a shoulder season at Yosemite, during which travelers can experience milder weather and fewer crowds. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the park’s stunning natural beauty.
Other Volunteer Opportunities in National Parks
Yosemite isn’t the only park that hosts clean-up events for which people can volunteer. The National Park Service maintains a comprehensive list on its website of volunteer events, from cleaning beaches at Indiana Dunes National Park to collecting litter or removing invasive weeds in Canyonlands National Park.
