This Sand Dune Hike Is One of Michigan’s Most Scenic

Have you ever hiked barefoot? If this sounds like your type of adventure, slip off your shoes and let the sand squish through your toes on the Dune Climb Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Many claim bare feet offer the best traction on this rugged hike, an epic way to truly experience the sand dunes instead of simply looking at them, shoeless or otherwise. Plus, you can make a midway splash in Lake Michigan!

If you think of Michigan as being shaped like a left-hand mitten, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located near the pinky, approximately 45 minutes west of Traverse City. With 35 miles of coast along Lake Michigan, the park is mainly known for its unique sand dunes, with the highest towering 400 feet above the water. In fact, we think it is home to the most iconic views in Michigan!

With over a dozen trails, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers diverse scenery and experiences. Some accessible trails and an Electric Track chair are available for those with limited mobility. The Empire Bluff Trail is a popular choice for a moderate stroll through a beech-maple forest, while the Dune Climb Trail is for those who truly want to immerse themselves in the dunes.

If you're like me, you may have heard horror stories about people paying thousands of dollars to be rescued from the park’s steep dunes. Luckily, despite its name, the Dune Climb Trail isn’t one of those infamous spots. To find those steep slopes, hit the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and stop at the Lake Michigan Overlook and the Sleeping Bear Dune Overlook. 

Even though the Dune Climb Trail isn’t the park’s most strenuous, it offers a serious challenge as you walk through sinking sands and climb over rollicking inclines. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether the trek is easier sans shoes. Along this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail, you’ll experience 649 feet of elevation gain, which would be enough to make me huff and puff, earning the hike a “hard” rating on AllTrails. 

What’s the payoff for this rugged hike? After being closed in by sandy knolls and scrub brush, the views eventually open up, revealing the exquisite turquoise waters of Lake Michigan. If you’ve worked up a sweat, you can even hop in! There’s nothing better than a cool splash in a freshwater lake on a hot summer day.

When you’re ready to tackle the Dune Climb Trail, allow yourself at least a couple of hours, even more if you plan to play in the water. Take plenty of water and snacks. Shade is limited, so you’ll also want to pack a hat, sunscreen, and other sun gear. Once you’re geared up, it’s time to hit the sand.

If you don’t have your heart set on a swim, fall and spring offer the most pleasant temperatures for exploring the Dune Climb Trail. This is one of the best places in Michigan to view fall foliage, in fact. However, don’t hesitate to visit in the winter. While snow adds more challenge to your trek, it brings a new layer of beauty, and Lake Michigan has enchanting frozen views. No matter when you hit the trail, you’ll have to leave your dog at home since they aren’t allowed. 

Aside from hiking, all sorts of outdoor recreation, including swimming and paddling, can be enjoyed at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In addition to Lake Michigan, the park’s waters include two rivers and several inland lakes. Personally, I like to balance my physical activities with some more relaxed ones. You can take a scenic drive or tour the museum, historic village, and preserved turn-of-the-century farm. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore requires an entry fee—or you can enter for free with an America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees at most federal public lands, including NPS sites, for a full year. If camping is your vibe, you can reserve a site at the park via Recreation.gov.

After spending the day in the sand, you’ll be ready to relax and unwind. Head to nearby Traverse City to find hip shops, breweries, and restaurants in the Cherry Capital of the World. Fuel up for your next hike by sampling the cherry pie, cherry fudge ice cream, or cherry wine… the list goes on and on. I'm sure I could spend days simply eating in Traverse City!

Does the Dune Climb Trail offer the right level of adventure for you? Would you rather stick to the boardwalks or hit the steep slopes? No matter what type of trail you prefer, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has one that is just right for you, with or without shoes. We'd love to hear about your favorite hikes in Michigan. For more amazing adventures in the Great Lakes State, check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.