Sly Guard Cabin
SLY GUARD CABIN
Part of 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.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.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.
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.
Important Notices
Your permit, door lock combination, and directions will be emailed to you before your visit; be sure to check your spam folder for this email. Call (530) 644-2324 during regular business hours, M-F, 8:00-4:30 with any questions relating to your stay.
Check In is 2:00pm
Check Out is 11:00am
Woodstove is currently out of order. Please do not use. There are alternative heat sources available.
There is no air conditioning in the cabin. Please consider bringing an electric fan during hot summer months.
Mice are present in wooded areas including the area surrounding Sly Guard Cabin. Please clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Do not leave food out on any surfaces. Cleaning up thoroughly when you leave is essential to keeping Sly Guard cabin mouse-free.
DO NOT EAT ON THE FURNITURE. This attracts mice.
In order to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience to all visitors, a stay limit is now in effect. Use of any Eldorado National Forest cabin is limited to 6 nights per recreation rental facility and a combined total of 12 nights per calendar year for all rental facilities. This stay limit includes any combination of stays at Harvey West Cabin, Loon Lake Chalet, Robbs Hut, Sly Guard Cabin, and Van Vleck Bunkhouse.
- No RV hookups or dump stations available
- Vehicles must park in the gravel areas, not on vegetation
- Lock the building and close the gate when leaving the cabin unattended
Pets are not allowed at the cabin. This overnight facility is used by many people, including those with pet allergies. Respect other visitors by following this rule.
- Smoking is not allowed in the cabin
This is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility; Bedding (sheets, pillows etc.) and towels are not provided. Please bring garbage bags and haul trash out with you.
Off-Road vehicles cannot be unloaded at the cabin grounds.
Fire restrictions are in effect. No campfires, no charcoal bbq's. Propane stove usage is allowed outside the cabin.
No open flames, candles, backpacking stoves or propane stoves inside cabin.
Practice Leave No Trace. Please clean cabin and grounds before leaving.
Do Not Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Available Activities
- VISITOR CENTER - Ranger Station
- HIKING - Hiking
- CAMPING - Camping
- HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Winery Tours
- BOATING - Boating
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.
Contact Information
Phone: 530-644-2324
5561 Sly Park RoadPollock Pines, CA 95726 5561 Sly Park Road
Pollock Pines, CA 95726
