dunes hiking trail

This is a 3 hour hike if you are in good shape. If not you will likely turn around but still have a good time climbing the first two dunes. Not for elderly people in weakened health. If time is limited do the pierce stockton drive there is an excellent overlooking dune that is much steeper than these but can be enjoyed without hiking down them. Of course this on is the challenge that the Sleeping Bear is known for. If your successful you can even buy a shirt saying so at visitors center.

I'm so glad I did this, but I say this with a strong warning that this is a strenuous hike. It's 3.5 miles round trip, but could easily take you 3 hours plus however long you spend once you are at the lakeshore. Every time you reach the crest of a dune hill, you think you are there, but you aren't. Walking through sand the entire way is very difficult and this hike is not for the faint of heart. A decent level of physical fitness is required. If you do it though, it's completely worth it! It's a beautiful hike and once at the lakeshore, the view is magnificent with such clear waters. So worth the hike...but prepare for pure exhaustion by the time you're finished (plan for a day trip).

I didn't plan on hiking all the way to the lake, but my 14 year-old and 12 year-old really wanted to finish the climb. This trail takes some want-to. I've hiked in the Smokies and the Rockies and am fairly fit, but hiking over sand is a new experience. Plus, we were trying to hurry because we left my five year-old daughter with my husband since she was getting tired after the fourth or fifth climb. So we ran the rest of the way to the lake -- and not just the down parts. It was fabulous. The beach is rocky, the water is clear and blue, and no one else was around while we spent a few minutes there. The climb back was extra hard because we'd run so much on our way out, but we made it back. I'm glad we had water, and extra glad it was a cool day (I think around 63 when we took the trail). It takes time and work, but it was memorable!

A lot of variable terrain. Very sandy trails, so 1 step forward, then slide 1/2 step back. Very hot inland away from the shore breeze. Be sure to go out with plenty of water.

When the ranger told me this was 110 feet I thought "no big deal." I expected it to be a little tougher because of the sand, but it was a lot tougher. It took me over 20 minutes to get to the top and I stopped to catch my breath about 8 times. I didn't realize that it would go up and down many times before reaching the lake. I was so thirsty I drank right from the lake.It took a lot more time than I expected. If you intend to make it to the lake, then I suggest giving yourself over 3 hours and take lots of water with you.Also, be aware that they have public restrooms at the bottom and a little gift shop and some supplies for sale. They charge $10 just to get into the parking area. I'm not sure if a Parks Pass will get you in for free.

Make the Dune Climb early in the day while you have fresh energy and the day is not so warm. We climbed the initial 110 foot dune -- beautiful golden sand set against a brillant blue sky on a gorgeous day. We made sure to use sunscreen before the climb; we wore our hats and took a 2 liter bottle of water each. After we made it to the top of the first dune, we decided to walk the dune trail until we could see Lake Michigan. There are about nine dunes to hike to get to the lake, and it wasn't until we got to the top of the fifth dune that we could see the sapphire blue water of Lake Michigan. It was a great experience. We might have walked all the way to the lake, but there were other sights that we wanted to see that day.My advice: taking any part of the trail is better than taking none at all -- check your time and be aware that it will take the same amount of time walking back to the parking lot. If you think there's any chance you will want to walk further than the dune climb, be sure to take water with you. The entrance to the parking lot is manned; the ranger checks for park passes and gives information for making the climb and walking the trail. Restrooms and a couple of picnic tables are just to the left of the parking lot.

The vista is stunning! But be prepared, it isn't at the top of the first sand dune. OMG. take your time!!!!!! and give yourself more than an hour. 4-6 if you want to hike to the lakeshore. The sand is deep and gives way as you hike, barefoot. Shoes are almost impossible on the actual dunes so it takes a lot out of you.

We did the Dunes Trail with four families with kids from 12 to 4 years old. It isn’t an easy hike due to the sand and moderate incline, but it is doable if you take the slow and steady approach. The view is worth it at the end, but it is similar to the view you can get at other perches (Empire Trail, Pyramid Point, Pierce Stocking Drive) along the National Lakeshore. Supposedly it can loop around, but we didn’t find it well marked, so we just walked back the way we came.

We hiked the Dune Climb all the way to Lake Michigan and it was beautiful but definitely a challenge on a hot summer day. Only 4 miles round trip, it felt much further with all the climbing and loose sand. A shorter climb would still be fun if a hike all the way is not what you want to do. Definitely bring water and wear sunscreen because it is totally exposed with very little sun protection. We had a blast and really liked swimming in the turquoise Lake Michigan water to reward ourselves for our exertions.

This trail is definitely not for the unfit. You must carry your own water and the trail starts with a hike up the Dunes and continues about a mile and a half back to the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. You can climb down the bluff to the water but it is a djfficult and strenuous climb both down and up. Also, this is a round trip hike. plan to spend a few hours hiking through sand so don't try it if you are out of shape but otherwise a great hike.

Ran by the dune trailhead while participating in the Empire, MI marathon/half-marathon on 6 Oct 12 and decided we just had to return to climb the dune. Took our nature loving dog with us as always and began the climb to the top thinking it might take about 5 min. Upon arriving at what we thought was the top of the dune and expecting to see mightly Lake MI over the crest we were surprised to find another stretch of sand before us with a second dune in the distance. This scenario repeated itself several more times before our eureka moment...visually check one of the many blue-tipped trail markers! Once we did this, we discovered that the hike to the water up and down the dunes was 1.5 miles one way! Although my wife slightly protested the inconvenience, she troopered along until we reached the water and despite the less than optimal weather we were rewarded with an absolutely stunning panoramic view of the big lake. Amazing! Upon returning to the vehicle, we encountered our second oversite of the day in the form of a very large US Forest Service Park Ranger who inquired as to whether or not we saw the numerous "no dogs allowed" signs posted along the base of the dune? We humbly replied that we had not and after checking my drivers license for evidence of further misconduct he politely released us with only a written warning and verbal advice on the delicate ecosystems of the area that mandated the dog free zone. Although slightly embarrassed about the whole incident, the professionalism of the Park Ranger allowed us to survive the ordeal without too much undue stress. In the end, we all had a wonderful time (including our dog:) and will not soon forget the beauty and majesty of this delightful area!

The hiking trail on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive had some nice views. It was a nice hike, but nothing extraordinary. It was good exercise and some nice scenery.

this goes up and down the dunes and ends up with a hike along the shore. If I remember right its a couple miles so be prepared with water and snacks. We took our dog with us and there were no problems or restricted areas on this one. Almost all a hike through the dunes close to the shore. some great views and always a place you can get away and sit alone.

This was a very challenging hike, to the point where it was not fun at all. We decided to hike this trail on the spur of the moment and didn't have enough water. Bring lots of water. The entire trail is up and down very steep dunes ( nine, I think) in sand that is sometimes very loose and deep. No shade. We felt like we were crossing the Sahara Desert at times. You almost feel as if you are never going to reach the end. You end up on a rocky beach and we were a little disappointed. Then you have to hike all the way back.

This was my husband's favorite trail. I thought the first part getting up the dune wasn't hard, but it got harder coming back from the beach. I loved seeing the ship wreck that is about 1/4 mile to the North on the beach. We picked a day that was in the 70's and that helped. It took us a little over 2 hours. Take water!