Sly Guard Cabin

5561 Sly Park Road
Pollock Pines, CA 95726

Barrett Lake 4x4 Trail is Open

Using any motor vehicle on the trail during this time period.

FOREST ORDER NO. 03-24-15
USDA FOREST SERVICE
ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST
BARRETT LAKE 4x4 TRAIL MOTOR VEHICLE PROHIBITION

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), and to protect natural resources, the following act is prohibited within the Pacific Ranger District of the Eldorado National Forest. This Order is effective from November 23, 2024, through July 31, 2025.

Using any type of motor vehicle on Forest Service Trail No. 16E21 (Barrett Lake Jeep Trail), as shown on the attached Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(b).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
Any Federal, State, or Local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.

Executed in Placerville, California, this 21 day of November 2024.

AMY L. REID
Acting Forest Supervisor
Eldorado National Forest

Overview

The Sly Guard Cabin is less remote than other cabins on the Eldorado National forest and is a great choice for families with children. Sly Guard provides the cabin in the woods experience with the convenience of modern amenities. The cabin is near Sly Park Reservoir, also called Jenkinson Lake, the tourist area of Apple Hill, a variety of wineries, a number of hiking trails, and the historic mining towns of Coloma and Placerville. The Sly Guard Cabin was constrcuted in the early 1940s by the Forest Service as living quarters for rangers "on guard" in the Sly Park area.

Recreation

Hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking are great options while staying at the cabin. Cedar Park trail is just steps away from the cabin, where you can take a relaxing walk along the 1.2 mile paved loop trail. There is also an observation deck along the trail offering views of Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range. There is a horsehoe pit on the cabin grounds. Sly Park Creek has a swimming hole and Sly Park Reservoir attracts lots of boaters and anglers. Gold panning may also be done in the creek.

Natural Features

At nearly 3,600 feet in elevation, Sly Guard Cabin sits among Ponderosa and Jeffrey pine near the town of Pollock Pines. The cabin is well shaded during the day, keeping it cool in the summer. A downhill dirt trail leads guests south to Sly Park Creek and the bottom of the spillway at Sly Park Reservoir.

Nearby Attractions

The Sly Park Environmental Education School is located across the street. Guided nature walks are conducted daily on the trail adjacent to the cabin.

A resort at the entrance of Jenkinson Lake (Sly Creek Reservoir) offers a small store, restaurant and bar, pay phone, gas and fishing supplies. It is about a 2-mile drive.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Electric hookups: all 1 sites
Longest rig: 45 ft
Largest party: 12 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: RV, Trailer

Directions

Sly Guard Cabin is located off U.S. Highway 50 in Pollock Pines, approximately 16 miles east of Placerville. Take Exit 60 (Sly Park Road) and travel south approximately 6.2 miles. Arrive at 5561 Sly Park Road on the left.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

24 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Kirk R

Loop:Sly Guard Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 13 days ago

Nice place to get out to the nearby lake and hiking trails, and also close to town for supplies. Well stocked for warmer weather with fans throughout

Stephen D

Loop:Sly Guard Cabin

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Just spend day, didn't slept this trip. Love the area Sad that no camp fire but want to keep area safe

Alek M

Loop:Sly Guard Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Cozy little cabin in the woods, we have two rituals when coming here. Hike to the waterfalls on the backside of Jenkinson Lake, and the morning of our departure, we walk our daughter to the fire station accross the street where they're always happy to let her sit in a truck for a moment. The cabin itself is great, if you plan to use the DVD player be sure to bring your own as there arent many DVDs there, most are not child friendly but that's not a big deal as long as you bring some of your own. If not, even better as you can enjoy the fire pit in the back area of the cabin. A few trees are perfect distance for some hammocks, and there is a horseshoe pit. Plenty of benches and two large tables near the fire ring. This place might not be for everyone, but absolutely amazing for my little family and we love it.

Susan L

Loop:Sly Guard Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

We loved our 1 day stay at Sly Guard cabin. It's old fashioned/ rustic, but very well appointed. There's a wall heater, full bath with soap and TP, hot and cold running water, a full kitchen with many pots, pans, dishes, mugs, paper and cloth towels. They are low on on some items - there was only 1 spoon!, and few drinking glasses (several wine goblets), no cutting board. But lots of cleaning supplies, dish soap, sponges. The twin beds were comfy (bring your own bedding), and the couch was comfortable to sit on. There are many games to play and lots of action & horror movies to watch. We didn't do as much in nature as we had hoped as there was a 2 day rain storm when we were there. But the area seems lovely for exploring in better weather. The cabin is close to the road but road noise was neglible, at least in April. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and look forward to going back, hopefully inviting family to camp outside where there are picnic tables.

Kim S

Loop:Sly Guard Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

If you want to get out in nature and away from people, this is the place. Near the lake. Access to trails, one is paved. Cabin with full kitchen and bathroom . Back area with fire pit and plenty of room.

Tonja E

Loop:Sly Guard Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

A basic little cabin with trails right out the door. There is a refrigerator, stove and microwave. Go easy on the kitchen faucet, it's very loose! Good hot water in the kitchen and bathroom and the surroundings are just lovely. Just the right elevation to get away.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve Watch

Popularity: Moderate

Busiest in August, when about 55% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 8 years of reservations.