Dune Climb — Attraction in Glen Arbor Township

Wanted to go see, but not climb, but then when we got there we wanted to see view from top of dunes. We decided to try and go as far as possible. Very steep beginning, then about third of way up a little flat section rest of way is steep again. Difficult if you have mobility problems, but as we proved, with slow persistence, you can make it to the top. I used my cane for stability, but we met people on the dunes using two walking sticks, that looked like small ski poles to assist them. They seemed like a good investment. Will look to buy some for myself to go on more climbs and trail walks. We were lucky that it was sunny day, but good temps in 60's with a light breeze, very comfortable climb. Check how warm it will be the day you go! No reason to suffer in the heat during your climb. Hard to show how big it is in photos, but if you zoom in to bottom of dunes, those little black dots are people just starting the climb .

Only sad part was $25 entry to park car and park pass. I felt it was a little high for a 7 day pass, but we did get to use that same pass for the scenic drive , so that made it seem a little better. (I'm just cheap lol) funny sign pic was on one of the stops on scenic drive. Very steep drop to waters edge. We didnt go down, I'm SURE we wouldn't make it back up from the bottom and there is no other way , you have to climb back up or pay $3000 to be rescued.

I highly recommend for a day trip from Grand...

The hike is a bit strainious. Ensure you carry sunglasses, hat, plenty of water and Sunguard. The route is same for both going in and coming out. It's 3.8 miles round-trip. I took 1 hr one way. If you decide to hike here you won't be able to hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook on the scenic Drive and vice-versa since both are challenging hikes.

It is better if you start your hike in morning at like 9 or 10 am than in peak sunlight. I did my hike barefoot and a lot of people who started off with shoes eventually took them off and had to carry their shoes for the rest of the hike. The sand can get a little hot in afternoon but it's bearable.

Make sure you take breaks if are about to get out of breath during hike. There are few sand dunes that you have to hike before you reach the lake. The beach at lake is absolutely beautiful and almost feels like a private beach with not too many people around. The water is col though!

The hike is certainly doable but If you are way out of shape then please think twice! Hiking to lake is optional but coming back is mandatory. If you have elders in your group then you can absoluetly skip this as you can go to beaches nearby (Glen Beach and sleeping bear point beach) in area where you will see the same water body and same water color.

But DO NOT miss sleeping bear dunes overlook on Pierce Stocking...

Gorgeous views and strenuous hike. Not recommended for anyone terribly out of shape or elderly — might take longer than 2-3 hours if you are — but it is doable. I saw a couple people struggling getting up the hills.

It’s a bit deceiving...you CANNOT see the lake after going up the first hill. Oh no my friend...you must get to marker 27 to be close to the lake. Stay on the path that are marked with posts. I also saw a snake slithering across in front of me...so be aware.

It’s 2.5-3 miles but that is way harder seeing it’s all soft sand. Beautiful views of Glen Lake closer to the beginning and it all ends at a mostly deserted Lake Michigan beach with gorgeous (but choppy) water.

I’d recommend going on a cool/cloudy day as opposed to hot/sunny. And not to carry too much weight. I was definitely winded on a lot of the way up.

There should be some better details of the trails/distance/timing located at the beginning in the...