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Dune Climb
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,370 Google reviews · Running trail in Glen Arbor, Michigan · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 27 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Dune Climb's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Expansive dunes for uphill sand climbs with water views & challenging hikes to Lake Michigan.
What runners say about Dune Climb
“The place is well kept and clean.”
“Climbing back up the dunes on the scenic drive can be challenging, but this option is easy and suitable for families.”
“The trail is well marked and popular in Sleeping bear dunes park.”
The initial steep climb is enticing, and in my mind I’d get over it and see beautiful Lake Michigan. Boy was I wrong! It’s a “strenuous, desert like” hike according to the map and sign. It is ongoing and strenuous for sure, up and down, varying levels of elevation, but such spectacular views!
We did not expect these dunes to be so amazing, beautiful and steep. Bring plenty of water and good walking shoes. Enjoy the 3.5 mi. hike on pure sand.
If you are there only for picnic and play on the slope, enjoy. It's really a fun place and beautiful scenic view from the first slope. If you are going for the hiking, Read the instructions carefully, it's 3.8 miles hike plus too many slopes to climb.
Amazing yet challenging hike. Make sure to bring water, hat, sunscreen,good shoes. Cooling towel for the neck would be awesome to have during summer. Please be aware this is not the famous 30° include dune climb. You need to put in Google maps sleeping bear dunes overlook and you can access it from parking lot #9.
Trail conditions & character
“The views from the top are incredible, and the massive sand dunes make you feel like you accidentally walked into a desert next to Lake Michigan.”
“My family & friends like to climb the dune then head to Cherry Republic for snacks or ice cream in nearby Glen Arbor.”
“You need to put in Google maps sleeping bear dunes overlook and you can access it from parking lot #9.”
“27 mile markers and you start from the parking lot.”
“Wow I went as far as marker 14 and I couldn't go no more lol my wife wanted to keep going lol but it was so worth it though just breath taking!”
Plan your run at Dune Climb
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Distance27 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(231) 326-4700
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Glen Arbor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 220 reviews
Hiking area offering a 2.8-mi. trail through dunes and forest to a beach on Lake Michigan.
Empire Bluff Trail
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Popular scenic hiking area offering a boardwalk and views of Lake Michigan.
The Ingraham Preserve at the Cedar River Preserve: The Leelanau Conservancy
4.8 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
Cedar Run Creek Natural Area
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Quiet park with trails for hiking and snowshoeing, plus lake and creek views.
Clay Cliffs Natural Area: The Leelanau Conservancy
4.8 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Beautiful forested hiking spot featuring meadows, cliffs, an overlook and a lake view.