Cabin

Casa Pondo Retreat

Photo gallery for Casa Pondo Retreat

Living area
Living area
Terrace/patio
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Ponderosa, CA
  • Trail of 100 Giants
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Seven Teacups
    ‪67 min drive‬
  • Peppermint Falls
    ‪70 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Dining Area

About this property

Casa Pondo Retreat

SNOW CHAINS OFTEN REQUIRED NOVEMBER-EARLY SPRING! REMOTE MOUNTAINTOP LOCATION.
Ponderosa is a hidden gem in Sequoia Natnl Forest! Enjoy a slower pace of life and breathe the freshest of mountain air in this rustic, remote mountain town (2 hrs from Sequoia PARK). Sip your morning coffee or evening beverage on the deck with endless forest views. Good for the soul, this is the perfect sanctuary for a restorative retreat! Great for a family vacation, writer's retreat, girls trip or couples weekend!

3 BEDROOM 2BATHROOM CABIN
with Forest backyard!

The main floor of the cabin has an open concept living room, dining area and full kitchen. Also on the main floor is a full bathroom and 2 bedrooms. One of the main floor bedrooms has a queen bed and one has 2 twin beds.

Upstairs there is an open reading loft which overlooks the living room with a cozy chair and plenty of books to read. There is also a full bathroom as well as a third large bedroom with a king bed.

REMOTE LOCATION! PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS BELOW BEFORE BOOKING!

Winter and early spring - PLEASE BE PREPARED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE OR SNOW CHAINS. These cannot be purchased on the mountain.

Ponderosa is a gorgeous, very remote small mountain town at 7200 feet.
This is a REMOTE location on the top of a mountain which is part of its charm AND means you need to plan ahead! Being prepared is key to having a great experience!

No gas station (fill up before heading up the mountain)
No cell service (there IS wifi).
No grocery stores or restaurants so plan to bring groceries.
NO TRASH SERVICES so you will take all of your trash down the mountain with you. (do not store trash outside or critters will make a mess!)

It has about 35 full-time residents. Nearby attractions include Trail of 100 Giants, Dome Rock, Slate Mountain and The Needles. **Because of recent wildfires, some attractions are temporarily closed by US Forest Service.

The last hour of the drive is very windy so we recommend you arrive during daylight. In winter and early spring months you’ll likely need 4 Wheel Drive or SNOW CHAINS. Consult CalTrans for road conditions.

SECURITY DEPOSIT
The security deposit is not charged to you unless there is a damage or non-trash removal claim AFTER your stay. So book with confidence!

TRASH & RECYCLABLES
There is NO TRASH SERVICE in Ponderosa so you will need to take all trash down the mountain with you when you leave. A $300 fee will be charged from your deposit if the trash is not removed or left in the community.
Please pack it out. Leave no trace.

OCCUPANCY
Please do not bring more people than originally reserved. No guests are allowed. The cabin comfortably accommodates a maximum of six guests.

NUMBER OF VEHICLES
No more than two vehicles allowed.

SMOKING
NO Smoking of any kind on the property. The home is 100% smoke free.

PETS
No more than two pets allowed. Your four legged family member is welcome but please keep them off the furniture and beds.
If extra cleaning is required due to pets having been on the beds and furniture, a $300 fee will be deducted from your deposit.

FOOD
All open food must be stored in fridge. We are in the middle of the forest and critters look for any excuse to come inside!

WiFi INTERNET
The home has the fastest Satellite Internet available on the mountain. This is ideal for most Internet-based activities. However, real-time, multiplayer games played on devices like Xbox Live and PlayStation will not work. Also, connecting to a VPN will not work. Video calling and Zoom will have delays.

CELL SERVICE
The is no cell service in the forest. Cache your maps and plan your outings ahead of time.

US FOREST SERVICE
Please check US Forest Service website for availability of sites and trails.
Many local sites close in winter and reopening every spring is set by USFS. Some sites are still closed due to the 2021 Windy Wildfire. No refunds given due to forest closures. Please check before you go if you want to visit a specific site!

WEATHER
Look up Ponderosa, CA for accurate weather forecast

See @casapondo on Insta for news and updates!

Property manager

Sarah
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There is NO TRASH SERVICE in Ponderosa so you need to take all trash down the mountain with you when you leave. $300 fee charged for leaving trash.
BE PREPARED From Fall to Spring, be prepared with either an AWD vehicle or SNOW CHAINS. Purchase on Amazon to fit your car. NOT SOLD ON MOUNTAIN

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation

About the area

Springville

Located in Springville, this cabin is in the mountains. While the natural beauty of Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to River Island Golf Course.
Map
Ponderosa, CA

What's nearby

  • Sequoia National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Trail of 100 Giants - 22 min drive - 20.4 km
  • Seven Teacups - 67 min drive - 29.0 km
  • Peppermint Falls - 70 min drive - 25.8 km
  • Eagle Mountain Casino - 82 min drive - 79.4 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Julie's Bar - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Brewer Family's Ponderosa Lodge - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Nelson's Place - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Nelson's Tavern - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Cafe 190 - ‬21 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Casa Pondo Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Casa Pondo Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Casa Pondo Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Casa Pondo Retreat located?

This family-friendly Springville cabin is located in the mountains, just steps away from Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument. Needle Spring is 4.3 mi (6.9 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Robinson S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Midweek Mountain Getaway

Sarah’s place up in Ponderosa was exactly what we were looking for. The house is impeccably well decorated, and the location is incredible; being able to walk out the door and immediately be in Sequoia National Forest was amazing! Thank you so much for an awesome trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deisy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway!

Loved this cabin. We made the drive during the night as we had no other choice and it wasn’t too bad but would definitely recommend doing it during the day like Sarah recommends as there are a lot of winding narrow roads. The kids really enjoyed the reading book! Would return in a heartbeat!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great mountain getaway!

Amazing getaway in the mountains!! Sledding, hikes, short drive to 100 Giants and if you get to know the locals, like Clark, you can even get a snowmobile tour :)
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful- perfect for relaxing and adventure

Lovely property - so comfortable with all the amenities! Wonderful Host and the PERFECT environment for a relaxing get away !
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Audra K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good mountain getaway

If you want a place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of people, then this is your place. Staying in this cabin in the middle of the woods was nice and relaxing, quiet, and refreshing.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely remote get-away

Ponderosa is very remote, a nice place to be in nature without others around. The cabin was very clean and comfortable and backs to open woods. Sarah was extremely responsive in all communication. A lovely place to stay to get away.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Enrique o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun time

Everything was amazing. We enjoyed the natural beautiful weather. Hope we go back soon. We enjoy our getaways.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Miroslav D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect mountain getaway

Casa Pondo has exceeded my expectations. Everything you would want from a mountain cabin is provided in this cabin. Just bring yourself, food and drinks and you are set. The charming house boasts loads of comforts inside and out and looks just as the photographs in the listings. I will be returning in the future for sure. It is a perfect place to unwind, enjoy hiking around the house and nearby trails.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thoughtfully styled and comfortable

We enjoyed our stay so much! Such an amazing little gem in the mountains. Our kids enjoyed exploring the property, playing Uno by the fire and we loved cooking and listening to music on the deck. This cabin was thoughtfully styled with comfort in mind. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A True Delight

Could not have been happier with our stay at Casa Pondo. I had a lot of questions having never been to Ponderosa before and the host Sarah was always very quick to respond and very helpful with what felt like never ending questions. The cabin is in great condition, all the amenities worked flawlessly, spectacular fireplace, awesome sledding all around, the list goes on! The morning views from the loft are truly remarkable and it was a trip my family and I will always remember. Thank you again for sharing it with us, already thinking about when we could possibly make it back!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronde W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous

The Casa Pondo is the most wonderful place on earth. It has everything you need to regroup and refresh. Sarah is the most gracious, wonderful host who was quick to respond and accommodate our needs. The property has great opportunities to explore the forest, streams and even a waterfall nearby. We enjoyed just having alone time as well as family time. We watched movies, put three puzzles together and saw lots of attractions. The sequoias by the cabin were beautiful. The cabin was super clean, and had lots of extra touches like q-tips, charging chords, games, puzzles, books, corn hole, places for hammocks, Insta Pot, coffee maker, spices, extra-long bath tub jacuzzi, and more. It is a serene, peaceful setting where your family can gather or have the space for alone time. We especially enjoyed the fireplace every night. What a gem!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

My kids say The Best Air b&b Ever!

When it comes to staying in hotel/air b&b, Korean people are really keen and picky. Not only did Casa Pondo satisfy us, it also gifted us a good memory from all the nook and corners of the house. Kitchen/bathroom/ Rooms were clean and well decored with cute little things. We really liked the fact that wherever you take the photo, they come out really cute. The only downside was humongous moth/night bugs which the hostess doesnt have a controll of. Luckly we brought the bug catcher with a battery, it was okay. So a little ehads up. :) Sarah tipped me to go visit Nobe Young Falls and that was my faborate spot on this trip. Walking along a meadow-like little path, you find thos almost-magical little creek. So beaitiful!! We visited in July but there weren't many visiters, at least seemingly, it was really quiet. That was the best part for me :) My kid liked the star gazing at night as theres is ZERO light near by, which is impossible in the city. We cooked breakfast and dinner in the cute kitchen and it was even pleasant feelinas as i loved the plates and cup and almost everything. We wish we could go back in the fall AND winter again. Thank you, Sarah.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best appointed mountain cabin ever

This cabin was the cleanest and best appointed mountain cabin we've ever stayed in (and we've stayed in a lot). This is particularly important when staying in a such a remote mountain area without local conveniences. Sarah had technology hubs throughout (internet was surprisingly good for remote mountains), darling dinnerware and matching sets of glasses/mugs (might seem silly that I mention that, but we've actually brought our own wine glasses because cabin glassware has been so sparse at some places), a keurig carafe & pod coffee maker with an assortment of coffee/condiments etc., even a coffee grinder, a brita filtered water pitcher, placemats, dishrack, a great assortment of pyrex/pans/utensils all in good shape, a nice contemporary oven/stove/microwave, great wrap around deck with privacy gate to keep out uninvited forest visitors, a smart tv, wonderful sunken/whirlpool bathroom tub with a view of the forest. Lovely forest views of cedar, pine, and mountain boulders out every window. The kitchen had dish/hand soap dispensers. The bathrooms had hand soap lotion shampoo/conditioner dispensers. If I had known (believed) that the cabin would be so well appointed, I could have left a good quarter of my stuff at home. Water pressure great.The drive way is flat/ accessible (an added convenience in the mountains especially in winter) Our stay was in September when the weather was warm, but the cabin had lots of extra blankets cozy seating & games for a fun winter visit too.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by Sarah

Host profile image
There’s something about being in nature that helps provide perspective and remind me what really matters in life! This cabin has been an absolute dream come true! While my primary residence is a small apartment in the heart of Los Angeles, I love getting away to the mountains to slow down, reflect, and connect with God, friends and family. It's my absolute joy to share my very special home away from home with you!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests