Sleeping Bear Point Trail Hiking Guide
Sleeping Bear Point is the Park Service's pick if you only have time for one hike in the lakeshore. The 2.8-mile loop heads out onto the dune plateau west of Glen Haven, with views across the Manitou Passage, then winds past a ghost forest of sand-scoured dead trees before ending in green woods. It is real work in sand, though the Park Service says it is not nearly as long or strenuous as the Dunes Trail from the Dune Climb.
Permit: Sleeping Bear Dunes entrance pass needed to hike: $25 vehicle pass good for 7 days, $15 individual pass for walkers and cyclists 16 and older, or the $45 annual pass
Which Way Round
The Park Service gives the loop as 2.8 miles; mapping apps record about 2.5 miles with roughly 300 feet of gain. The park's trail table rates it strenuous, while its trail page says it is far less demanding than the Dunes Trail, so expect a hard short hike rather than an all-day effort. About three-quarters of hikers go counterclockwise, but the Park Service notes that many find clockwise a little easier, and it saves the lake views for the end.
Spur to the Beach
About a third of a mile from the trailhead going counterclockwise, a half-mile spur heads down to Lake Michigan. You can make a shorter outing by taking it to Sleeping Bear Point and walking the beach back toward the Maritime Museum and the trailhead. The beach is the place to cool off after an exposed walk on the dunes.
The Ghost Forest
Inland, the trail crosses a ghost forest. Wind pushes the dunes slowly across the plateau, burying trees in their path; years later, as the sand moves on, the dead trunks re-emerge bleached white and stripped of branches. Blowouts carved by wind and past disturbance give the dunes here their curved, parabolic shapes. Leave the old wood where it stands.
Dog Closure for Plovers
From April 15 to August 15 the trail and its beach access are closed to pets, because endangered Great Lakes piping plovers nest along this shore and treat dogs as predators. Outside those dates leashed dogs are allowed. With summer being the main season for this hike, plan on leaving dogs at home from spring through mid-August.
Water and Parking
The trailhead is at the end of Sleeping Bear Dunes Road off M-209, west of the Maritime Museum, with a vault toilet. There is no water on the dunes. In summer the Park Service suggests sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and at least a quart of water, and drinking water is available nearby at the Maritime Museum, the Cannery parking lot and the Glen Haven restrooms.
Hiking tips for Sleeping Bear Point Trail
- Try the loop clockwise if you want the gentler climbs and the lake views at the end.
- Fill bottles in Glen Haven first; the dunes have no water or shade.
- Follow the blue-tipped posts across the open sand.
- Leave dogs home between April 15 and August 15, when the trail is closed to pets.
- Use the beach spur and walk back along the shore for a shorter version.
Nearby trails to explore
- Sleeping Bear Dune Climb
- Alligator Hill Trail
- Cottonwood Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Sleeping Bear Point gives you dunes, a ghost forest and a swim in under three miles. Use TrailMates to find Traverse City hikers heading to Glen Haven. Download the TrailMates app to connect.