Dune Climb

6748 S Dune Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636, USA

Address:	6748 S Dune Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636, USA
Phone:	+1 231-326-4700
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed Closed 12:45AM–8:45PM 12:45AM–8:45PM 12:45AM–8:45PM 12:45AM–8:45PM 12:45AM–8:45PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Jessica Sinha

We went with a bunch of married couples/friends. The weather was amazing and it was really sunny. We didnt really take the trails, but we did go down the largest dune. Going down the dunes was really scary because the dunes are incredibly steep. It literally feels like you can flop forward and tumble into the water - but you wont! There were so many people there, young and old, really having fun with the thrilling experience. Theres a small narrow sandy/beachy area at the bottom where we could play games, frisbee and ball. The water was very cold, but the whole experience was really refreshing. Ive heard you can walk around the dune somewhat, but we didnt have time for that. The water stretched out endlessly and was a beautiful blue color. Coming back up was extremely hard, took about an hour, but if youre not so much in shape, it could definitely take more. Some of us (the slower ones) stopped multiple times on our way up. There are parts that are so steep you have to be on all fours and literally claw up the dunes. But, it was so much fun!! Its a great place to have a picnic or to hang out with friends. I would definitely recommend checking this out, but only go down if you think you can climb back up. If you have heart conditions, etc. I would strongly advise enjoying from up above instead. Ive heard they have to call helicopters (costs > $1000) to pick up people who cant walk back up the dunes, but did not actually witness this in the few hours we were there.

Jared White

Great way to spend the day. We noticed some people take beach chairs, umbrella and a picnic basket and spend the day at the base of the first dune. We stopped through while we were traveling with our 29ft travel trailer (plenty of parking and was easy to get in and out). The kids (ages 5 to 16) all had fun. My son and I did the hike to Lake Michigan. Its a really fun hike and worth it (once). We should have taken more water and definitely wear some sort of shoe (we did not and my son ended up with blisters on his feet from the sand.) The constant abrasion of the sand on your feet as you climb up and down the dunes for a couple miles each way takes its toll.

Amanda Olson

As an athletic individual I chuckled when the park districts pamphlet listed this 1.75 mi one way hike as strenuous. Boy, was I wrong. The peaks and valleys of the dunes kept coming one right after the other and as a Midwestern who is accustomed to flat terrain my calves were screaming by the end of the hike. Not only do you have to traverse the elevation changes but doing so in sand makes it twice as hard. But it was all worth it. The dunes are beautiful and unexpected in the northern Michigan and the view of Lake Michigan at the end of the hike well worth the trip. Be sure to bring water if its hot outside.

Sarah Pete

I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into, haha. I really thought I was going to climb one dune and be done, but there are at least nine one way, and then you have to come back. This was a crazy strenuous hike, and Ill probably never do it again, but Im glad I did it once. Luckily it was cloudy the day I went, and I was still sweating buckets; cant imagine it on a sunny day. Bring plenty of water! Also, no bathrooms or port-a-pottys, so make sure you dont have to go, or be okay with going behind a bush or in the lake once you reach it!

Jason Wayman

This is a beautiful attraction, and a classic place to visit in northern Michigan. Be forewarned of a few things though; the sand can be uncomfortably hot when it has been baking in the sun, and walking up / down the dunes is much harder than it looks. In addition if you take on the trek to see / swim in Lake Michigan, IT IS A LONG WAY! Take plenty of water, and plan on at least two hours to get to the water and back - the hills will take their toll on you, be especially aware of the challenge if you take smaller children.

Jacob Green

Had a fantastic time visiting the Dune Climb! It costs $15 per private vehicle to enter the park. Here or anywhere. The fee will cover you for 7 days from time of purchase. Just be sure to put the receipt on your windshield in the parking lot so you can avoid getting ticketed! The first dune is steep but worth it! You can see a great view of Glen lake from the top of it. A further walk will take you up a few more dunes that are higher and youll be able to see Lake Michigan also. Breathtakingly beautiful place!

Brad Beggs

You can climb the first and maybe the second in 45 minutes or so. Allow 3 or 4 hours to get to the lake and back. Youll be exhausted and covered with sand, though. Yes, the national park service charges a few dollars to get in, but the fee also covers the private scenic drive to the south...be sure and do that, too, or just do the drive if youre short on time.

Paul HL

Cest sympa comme balade, on na pas pu aller jusquau bout par manque deau, on nous a dit quil faut compter 3h pour traverser la dune avec des enfants. Ça monte et ça descend.

Michelle Zenow

A+ Never dreamed I could hike this beauty, but my hubby was a great couch. We got to see the awesome sunset beginning to set and finish setting over lake Michigan. It was worth every minute. This is something a Hoosier gal doesnt get to see every day. Truly awe inspiring and breathtaking

Ben Woodworth

Fun and unique experience. Bring plenty of water and snacks if you plan to hike to Lake Michigan, its farther than you think and sand is tough to walk in. Lots of great views out toward Glen Lake and Glen Arbor of you only make it to the top of the first section.

Chris Reeg

We took the dune trail all the way to the lake. The hike can be very strenuous but worth every step for the unique experience. The views are wonderful and offer an environment not seen in other national parks. Be sure to bring plenty of water along with you.

Tom Xu

Nice place, great landscape. However, you need to carry more bottles of bottle if you want to go there because the only place you can buy water and ice cream is the entrance of the park. There is no place you can buy water on the beach or on the mid of road.

John S

Excellent views, but be prepared to be exhausted. The sand is also very hot during the middle of the day, so wear some sort of shoes as your bare feet will be burned. Its a long hike to Lake Michigan, so give yourself a few hours if you want to do that.

Todd Rishling

not what you think!!!! Great hike to a private beach. Be ready to work, lots of water, every time you crest a dune you think your almost there. It is a 2 mile hike to the water, took us about 1 hour each way. Worth the trip!

Jonathan M

Prepare to be utterly exhausted. If you think you can make it to the lake, you better be ready for a really tough hike. Otherwise, the view from the top of the first dunes is great too! I just wish they didnt charge for entry.