Dune Climb

Dune Climb is a broad, active slope of loose sand at the foot of the Sleeping Bear Plateau. It is the lakeshore's best-known attraction, and the soft surface makes even the first hill a workout. Go up for time on open sand and a view across Little Glen Lake; the higher second hill improves the view. Lake Michigan stays out of sight from both. If the shore is your goal, the long dune hike is a separate outing.

You can turn back at any point and descend to the picnic area. The full route to Lake Michigan and back is about 3.5 miles and usually takes 3 to 4 hours, crossing several steep dunes in loose sand; the return repeats those climbs. Don't count the first summit as the lake. For the longer hike, plan water and sun protection; the park recommends two litres of water per person.

The base has parking, picnic tables, restrooms and interpretive information. The paved Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail begins at the north end of the dune area. The Dune Center at the south end has a small bookstore and convenience items, with vending nearby in summer. The center is seasonal, so check its operation before relying on the shop. Pets aren't allowed on the dune or at the center; a pet-relief area is north of the parking lot.

The first hill gives a good look toward Little Glen Lake; from the second, the view is better. For a photo, include the sandy slope in the foreground and the lake beyond it. That captures both the climb and its payoff in one frame.

Dune Climb is a falling dune. Wind carries its sand down from the Sleeping Bear Plateau into lower ground, rather than up from Lake Michigan. The dune advances about 2 to 4 feet each year, so its edge is always shifting.

The windblown layer here sits over sandy glacial deposits. The last glacier retreated from this part of Michigan about 11,800 years ago, leaving material that wind could later move. Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the sand; wind sends grains skipping and bouncing downwind.

Beachgrass, sand cherry and cottonwood are among the first plants to colonize the dunes. Across the surrounding landscape, shifting sand can bury trees and later expose them as ghost forests. Leave those remains in place.

When snow covers the dune, sledding is allowed between marked posts. Steep slopes can collapse in winter and early spring, so stay on marked routes and check conditions before climbing.