Sly Park Live Cam

Sly Park, also known as Jenkinson Lake, is a man-made reservoir located in El Dorado County, California, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake was created in the 1950s as part of the Sly Park Dam project, which was designed to provide water for agriculture and domestic use in the region.

The name "Sly Park" is said to have originated from a local man named John Sly who operated a sawmill in the area in the 1850s. The land surrounding the lake was later used for logging and mining, and was eventually acquired by the El Dorado Irrigation District, which built the dam and the lake.

Today, Sly Park is a popular recreational destination for locals and visitors alike, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and picnicking. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and bald eagles.

In recent years, the area surrounding Sly Park has been impacted by wildfires, including the 2020 Caldor Fire, which burned over 200,000 acres in the region. Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to restore and protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations to enjoy.

Top Tourist Attractions

Sly Park, also known as Jenkinson Lake, offers a variety of tourist attractions and recreational activities for visitors. Some of the top attractions include:

• Jenkinson Lake: The lake is the centerpiece of Sly Park and offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water sports.
• Sly Park Recreation Area: The recreation area features picnic areas, campgrounds, hiking trails, and a nature center where visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna.
• Hiking Trails: The area surrounding Sly Park is home to numerous hiking trails, including the Sly Park Loop Trail and the Pony Express Trail, which offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Fishing: Jenkinson Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
• Boating: Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft from the Sly Park Recreation Area marina or bring their own boats and jet skis.
• Wildlife Viewing: Sly Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, mountain lions, and deer, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
• Camping: The recreation area features numerous campgrounds with RV and tent camping options.
• Snowshoeing and Cross-country skiing: During the winter months, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the trails around the lake.

Overall, Sly Park offers a great outdoor experience for visitors of all ages and interests, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and participate in outdoor activities.

Climate

Sly Park, located in El Dorado County, California, has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The area receives most of its precipitation between November and April, with little rainfall during the summer months.

During the summer, temperatures at Sly Park can reach highs in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (27-35 Celsius) with occasional heatwaves that can bring temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). The nights are typically cool and comfortable, with temperatures dropping into the 50s Fahrenheit (10-15 Celsius).

In the winter, temperatures at Sly Park can drop below freezing, and the area occasionally receives snowfall. The average high temperatures in the winter months are in the 50s Fahrenheit (10-15 Celsius), with lows in the 30s Fahrenheit (0-5 Celsius).

Overall, the climate at Sly Park is conducive to outdoor recreational activities throughout much of the year, with the exception of the hottest days in the summer and the coldest days in the winter. Visitors should be prepared for a range of weather conditions depending on the season and plan accordingly.

Geography

Sly Park is a man-made reservoir located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in El Dorado County, California, United States. The lake has a surface area of approximately 650 acres (263 hectares) and is surrounded by forested hills and mountains, including the Crystal Range to the west.

The area around Sly Park is characterized by rugged terrain, with steep hillsides and canyons. The Sly Park Dam, which forms the lake, is a concrete gravity arch dam that stands at a height of 166 feet (50.6 meters) and spans the Sly Park Creek. The dam was completed in 1955 and provides water for domestic and agricultural use in the surrounding region.

The elevation of Sly Park varies between approximately 3,500 to 4,000 feet (1,066 to 1,219 meters) above sea level, with the highest peaks in the surrounding area reaching elevations of over 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). The geology of the area is dominated by granite, with a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rocks.

The area around Sly Park is also known for its forests, including mixed conifer and hardwood forests, and a variety of wildlife, such as black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and bald eagles. The natural beauty of the area makes it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and boating.