Sly Park Retreat

Located in Pollock Pines, this 57.17-acre hilltop property in El Dorado County features three homes, mature timber, and strong privacy. The property has excellent access off a paved county road and very close to the Sly Park Recreation area and Jenkinson Lake. Well and utilities are in place. Zoning supports rural residential use. Ideal for a family compound, retreat, or income property with multiple rental opportunities and long-term land value.

Land

The 57.17-acre property carries the character of classic Northern California timber country. Gently rolling terrain climbs to a private high point, where the property opens to filtered views across the surrounding forest. A strong stand of mature timber defines the landscape, offering both beauty and long-term value.
Natural clearings and benches are scattered throughout the acreage, providing usable ground for recreation, future improvements, or land management. Existing internal access routes allow you to move through the property with ease, whether on foot, ATV, or truck. The property has direct access from the county paved and maintained Starkes Grade Road.
This is ground you can use—hunt, hike, ride, or simply enjoy—while still maintaining the privacy and quiet that comes with a larger mountain holding in El Dorado County and the Sierra Nevada Foothills.
Legal description, acreages, improvements, easements, property markers/monuments and other items to be verified by title and/or survey. Fences, if any, are “convenience fences” and do not indicate property boundaries. Maps are for illustrative purposes only and do not indicate or verify property boundaries or other improvements.

Improvements

Three separate homes are well-positioned across the property, each taking advantage of the surrounding timber and natural topography. The layout supports a variety of uses, from multi-generational living to guest accommodations or rental income. Each dwelling has excellent access from Starkes Grade Road.
MAIN HOME: The rustic main home is 1,729 sq ft with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A _______ sq. ft. deck wraps around the home providing expansive views and entertainment areas.
CABIN # 1: This dwelling is 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1000 sq. ft. with a 2-car garage.
CABIN #2: This dwelling has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1200 sq. ft.
The spacing between residences provides privacy while still maintaining a cohesive feel as a single property. Infrastructure and access are already in place, giving a new owner a strong foundation to build on without starting from scratch.
Multi-home properties of this scale in El Dorado County are increasingly scarce, particularly with this level of acreage and setting.

Recreation

This property is ideally located in one of Northern California’s most diverse outdoor recreation corridors. Just minutes away, Sly Park Recreation Area and Jenkinson Lake offer boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and camping in a beautiful alpine setting.
Nearby stretches of the American River provide excellent fishing opportunities for trout, along with some of the West’s most popular whitewater rafting runs. From scenic floating sections to adrenaline-filled rapids, the American River draws anglers and rafters from across the region.
The surrounding El Dorado National Forest offers thousands of acres for hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and off-road exploration, while Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and Lake Tahoe provide year-round mountain recreation just a short drive away.
Whether it’s fly fishing the river, rafting Class III rapids, exploring forest trails, or skiing fresh powder, the area offers an unmatched four-season recreational lifestyle.

Agriculture

While primarily a timbered mountain property, the land offers opportunity for productive use with the right approach. Selective clearing could create space for small pastures, gardens, or orchard plantings suited to the elevation and climate of El Dorado County.
The existing timber stand represents a potential resource in itself, whether for long-term management, firewood, or forest stewardship. The property could also support uses such as beekeeping, small livestock, or hobby farming.
For buyers looking to pair lifestyle with land stewardship, this property provides the scale and setting to do both.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

See Title

General Operations

One home is currently tenant occupied and the remaining two are not occupied.

Region & Climate

At a mid-level elevation in Pollock Pines, the property benefits from a true four-season climate. Summers are warm but moderated by the forest canopy and elevation, while evenings cool off with mountain air.
Fall brings crisp temperatures and changing color through the timber. Winter delivers periodic snowfall, giving the property a classic Sierra feel without the extremes of higher elevations. Spring rounds out the year with green understory and renewed growth.
This is a climate that supports both comfortable living and healthy forest conditions across El Dorado County.

History

The region surrounding Pollock Pines was shaped by the California Gold Rush, as early settlers pushed into El Dorado County in search of opportunity. While mining brought the first wave of development, it was the timber industry that established long-term roots in this area.
Pollock Pines grew as a working lumber town, supported by the dense forests that still define the landscape today. Old logging routes and established stands of pine remain part of that legacy, giving properties like this both history and character.
Over time, the area has evolved into a destination for recreation and rural living, while still holding onto its working-land heritage.

Location

Positioned along the Highway 50 corridor in Pollock Pines, the property offers straightforward access to both the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada.
Placerville is a short drive west for day-to-day services, while Sacramento—approximately an hour away—provides major shopping, healthcare, and commercial air travel via Sacramento International Airport.
Heading east, the road climbs into the Sierra, with Lake Tahoe within easy reach for weekend trips or extended stays.
The location strikes a balance—far enough out for privacy, close enough for convenience.