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Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 220 Google reviews · Running trail in Glen Arbor, Michigan · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 2.8 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead'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.
Hiking area offering a 2.8-mi. trail through dunes and forest to a beach on Lake Michigan.
What runners say about Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead
“The sleeping bear dunes are so incredibly fun and beautiful that I couldn't stop taking pictures.”
“Took us to high parts of the dunes with spectacular views to quiet parts of the cedar woods.”
A hidden gem! We have small children (8,6,3) so we knew we wouldn't make it up the "Dune climb". This is the perfect alternative. The path is all sand, with some Dune grass mixed in. Water shoes were the perfect choice. They also were the perfect shoe choice because there are rocks in the water.
The scenery was gorgeous. The best views in the area. The hike around the dunes was a tough one. I’m not a fan of sand on a good day and this didn’t endear me in any way. Definitely make sure to stock up on water and hit the bathroom before starting this endeavor as 98% of the hike is sand and sun.
Parking lot isn't the biggest around, but it also wasn't super-busy here a little while before sunset in late July. If you're looking to walk to the beach, it's a little over a quarter-mile long from the trailhead.
Beautiful views. Less crowded at sunset. It has a path to the beach that's easier than some other locations, not as steep.
Trail conditions & character
“The sleeping bear dunes are so incredibly fun and beautiful that I couldn't stop taking pictures.”
“Parking lot isn't the biggest around, but it also wasn't super-busy here a little while before sunset in late July.”
“It's not too busy or challenging like the overlook or the dune climb and it is SO peaceful.”
“We first took a short path to the sandbar walked along the lake and listened to the waves Then started the loop, it’s about 2.”
“Took us to high parts of the dunes with spectacular views to quiet parts of the cedar woods.”
“Definitely make sure to stock up on water and hit the bathroom before starting this endeavor as 98% of the hike is sand and sun.”
Plan your run at Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Loop distance2.8 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
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The Ingraham Preserve at the Cedar River Preserve: The Leelanau Conservancy
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Clay Cliffs Natural Area: The Leelanau Conservancy
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