Get to know this 6.8-mile loop trail near Glen Arbor, Michigan. Born in Detroit, raised in Grand Rapids and schooled in East Lansing, I'm a Michigander, through and through. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Climbing Gravity is on your side on the return. Often the sand is very hot in places and always the sand is abrasive and could irritate tender toes. You can also hike, pedal, or roll along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. It's the most famous attraction at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and a Midwest rite of summer, loads of fun for the young and young at heart: a 284-foot-high wall of glistening white sand that tourists climb for fun- Awesome Mitten contributor, John Kalmar, shares his MittenTrip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes with us, as well as some tips for climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes. Its fantastic with great views of the Manitou (little bear) islands that form the legend that leads to the name. This is the most strenuous hike in the Lakeshore and will take most folks three hours. Great hike through the dune. My family is part of a big group that camps at sleeping bear every summer (I think 2022 was our 27th trip?). Really felt bad for being on terrain that isnt really a marked trail, kind of hope it either develops into one or they take steps to keep people off. Finally, after your toes are dipped in the refreshing and rocky water below, youre truly past the point of no return. in journalism with a specialization in graphic design from Michigan State University in 2011, I ventured outside the comfy confines of the Mitten to take a newspaper job in Louisville, Kentucky. Most dunes are created when the wind takes sand from Lake Michigan beaches and piles it up. When it comes to gorgeous dunes in Michigan, Sleeping Bear might just be the ultimate. If you prefer watching from the bottom of the dune, you'll find a picnic area offers at the base of the Dune Climb, as well as modern restrooms and a bookstore. . Not the best idea but I was prepared. Or crying. This Plan Your Visit section has all kinds of helpful tips about things to do, places to go, eating and sleeping, and current conditions. At their highest point, the dunes rise 450 above the lake and you can even run to the bottom of the hill if youre feeling adventurous. I bet in summer time it would have been perfect. One of the nice things about the Dune Climb is you can climb until youre tired and then turn around, enjoy the view, and take a leisurely walk back down. But its a place that Ill no doubt be returning to in the near future, and Ill probably spare myself the 45 minutes and not climb back upthat duneagain. 6 listed. Sleeping Bear Dunes WebSleeping Bear Heritage Trail Description. Amenities. Cheap beach slip-ons work the best. There is 65 miles of shoreline throughout the park. Sleeping bear dunes This Dune Climb is a 3.5 mile round trip hike. Has to use gps and footsteps of someone earlier in the day. The Dune Center is the visitor center at the Dune Climb. Climbing up the Sleeping Bear Dunes isn't that hard! WebExplore the most popular trails in my list Sleeping bear dunes with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Looks like youll be partaking in the dune climb today. The Dune Climb is an active dune that moves. They didnt make it. Sleeping Bear Dunes + Leelanau Peninsula WebDune Climb, Sleeping Bear Point and The Bowl. We arent from Michigan and found out after the hike that we just got unlucky with timing, and the bugs should be gone soon. Are you aware of rip currents in Lake Michigan? The overlook features a boardwalk and offers a stunning panoramic view of the bluff, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding area. Are you aware of rip currents in Lake Michigan? WebThe Dune Climb here at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was just okay. The views youll capture from your journey to Arcadia Dunes will stick with you for a lifetime. Take note on the map of where the dashed lines dont underlie the red trail line. Dune Climb Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a fee to enter. The trail overall was cool. Plan like a Park Ranger. Take a break from your waterfront fun and get in a quick workout by climbing the neighboring dune, then race back down to the beach. While Warren Dunes are slightly lesser known than some of their counterparts, theyre no less beautiful. Even with AT totally lost the trail at the bowl. SLEEPING BEAR DUNE CLIMB When it comes to gorgeous dunes in Michigan, Sleeping Bear might just be the ultimate. Were lucky we found a makeshift trail to get us there. This is a great playground for kids of all ages. We started at the dune climb and looped around, but the tracks AllTrails wanted us to take once we reached the bowl would have made us give up very hard-won elevation, only to climb right back up. Sleeping bear dunes Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete. The easiest part was actually the two miles or so on the beach itself where you could walk on firm wet sand and make much better time. Choose South Manitou to explore the island village and lighthouse or take a motor tour of the farming district. This dune is a incline of 450ft at an angle of 57. Nine hundred and eight species of plants, 246 species 49630, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Quick Facts. Venture along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and stop to admire breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from atop the dunes. The AllTrails map is only helpful to a point as it approaches something called the bowl which is fantastic to look at but seems like the home of a giant sand lionwith absurdly steep walls So be prepared to navigate around that and back using the more friendly contours of the dunes and your phone or general sense of direction. WebExplore the most popular trails in my list Sleeping bear dunes with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Dig deeper for information about accessibility, directions, operating hours and seasons, fees and When completed, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail will wind for 27 miles through the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan in the northwest corner of Michigans Lower Peninsula. Detroit City really is the place to be. WebLocated in Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, this is arguably the premier sand dune climb in North America! And once youre that far down, you might as well keep going. As always, we would love to hear your suggestions and see your photos in the comment section below. Theres something here for everyone. There are 26 inland lakes and 12 miles of rivers/streams throughout the park. That and they didnt have our overabundanceof American pride. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take lots of water. Known for its college pennant-covered ceiling,its certainly my favorite place in town for breakfast (try the Western Omelette with apple toast). Highly recommend. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Need lots of water and hat - hit in the bowl area in the afternoon. Or all of the above.) When completed, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail will wind for 27 miles through the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan in the northwest corner of Michigans Lower Peninsula. 2 minutes, 40 seconds Be prepared. However, the dune climb is not the only thing to do in that lakeshore sliver to the west of Traverse City. As one of the most marvelous spots in the Upper Peninsula, the Grand Sable Dunes are sure to impress. Do you know what you need to hike in the dunes? Walking along the shoreline was incredible. MI We were greeted with a bright, sunny Saturday, so it looked like today was the day. Sleeping Bear Dunes was designated a national park October 20, 1970. Whats not to love? After a bourbon and KFC fueled year in the fake south, the pull of the Great Lakes was too strong to keep me away, and I soon returned home. Then Id save it for another two years down the road. all the way back up. When it comes to gorgeous dunes in Michigan, Sleeping Bear might just be the ultimate. With over 2,000 acres of gorgeous sandy land to explore, theres no telling the sorts of adventures youll find at Silver Lake. This stunning natural area is a hotspot for Michiganders and out-of-state visitors alike. Oh, and theyre a cash-only establishment, so dont even think of trying to pay with a credit card they make that very clear on the website and in the restaurant. This is a popular and contested Strava segment, and really worth doing, regardless of your time. Love Michigan? This may take as long as 3-4 hours, so take lots of water and remember you'll be walking up and down the dunes in loose sand all the way. Sleeping Bear dunes Located in Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, this is arguably the premier sand dune climb in North America! WebOne of the most awe-inspiring sights in northern Michigan is the view down the massive dune at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Sleeping Bear Dune Climb Michiganders know the legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes well. Still a major workout! Sleeping Bear Dune Climb Once you get to the top and decide to make the hike to Lake Michigan, consider that you will be climbing and descending several steep dunes before you get to the lake, and you have to repeat the process to get back. Samuel Case 506 subscribers Subscribe 36 Share 3.1K views 3 years ago Ok, it's a little bit difficult Lucas's EMPIRE A two-year study documents the disappearance of Sleeping Bears open dunescapes. Once you arrive at this beautiful park, youll find it difficult to leave! While that drew out our time to a 45-minute clamber, we werent spent nor gasping for air when we scaled the top. Perfect weather. WebThis weeks rv travel vlog finds us in Northern Michigan. Pets are NOT allowed at the Dune Climb. Sleeping Bear Dunes The park receives over 1,600,000 visitors a year. When youre done exploring the dunes, settle in for a relaxing day along Lake Michigan. It was 24, so heat wasn't an issue, and the sand was cold so it was a bit harder packed on the Dune Climb. I witnessed all of these people while I descended and then ascended the vaunted dune. You can catch the trail at the trailhead is located in the northwest corner of the Dune Climb parking lot. Be forewarned, though: the journey back up to the top is rather strenuous! Located inside the Manistee National Forest, Nordhouse Dunes can only be accessed via a short hike from one of two nearby parking areas. Empire, So I improvised. Be sure to have your National Park pass for this stop. Sleeping bear dunes Sleeping Bear Dunes was designated a national park October 20, 1970. I also didnt attempt the zombie techniqueof incorporating hands into the climb. Sure, youll enjoy all kinds of family fun as you splash in the Lake Michigan waves, but the surrounding dunes add a whole new level of beauty to your excursion. Running shoes are fine though they will fill with sand. Tougher than expected.