Sly Park Recreation Area

The Sly Park Recreation Area in the Sierra Nevada foothills was developed with the Sly Park Reservoir (aka Jenkinson Lake) at its center, and the park features several trails that loop and intersect. The main trail around the reservoir is the most well-travelled and popular. For that reason, it might disappoint folks and their pups who are looking for solitude and quiet, but it provides a fairly easy, shaded walk along the lakeshore. Formed by the dam over the Sly Park Creek, the uniquely-shaped lake and its trail is located south of Highway 50 on Mormon Emigrant Trail Road at Sly Park Road. 

While the Sly Park Reservoir loop closely follows the shoreline, there are 2 other small trails that divert from it, one to the marina from the group day use area, and another to the Park Creek Waterfall over the top of the dam. These are attractions that the loop will lead you to as well, but they're shortcuts, although much more difficult hiking than the main trail.

Connecting with the Reservoir Loop is the Fleming Meadow Trail System which can be accessed off Mormon Emigrant Trail Road. This area is for day use only, and features multi-use loops with intersecting roads that lead to Camp Creek after difficult, long, steep pitches down the mountainside on narrow trail segments. Parking for these trails can be found on Blue Gouge Road, which is fee-free.

The recreation area is open year-round, and features parking at the entrance: $5.00 for walk-in day use, $13.00 for vehicles on non-holidays, and $15.00 for holiday use. There is also a $5.00 per pet fee. They do offer discounts for seniors, veterans and others. The park also features campsites and restrooms along the trail routes, along with several marked overlooks.

Campsites and recreational facilities for group use and play, combined with the trails and access to the lake,  make this an ideal spot for family fun and pooch-walking!