Sand beyond sand: Running the Dune Climb Trail

By Jennifer Symons
Sun contributor

Part of our series on great places to run in the National Park and Glen Arbor region.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Alligator Hill and the importance of hill workouts to improve running speed. This week, I have an insane hill workout to share with you all: running the famous dune climb at The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Not only is the initial hill a “bear” (get it?) but the rolling hills that follow had my heart pumping like never before.

Running the Dune Climb Trail proved to be quite quirky. Tourists and locals alike stopped and stared. Some even commented that I was crazy. After the first two hills, I agreed. I had walked these hills many times in my past, but this was my first time running the entire Dune Climb Trail. From the parking lot to Lake Michigan, it is only 1.9 miles. However, is it 1.9 miles of sandy hills. The sand shifting below my feet with every step created an extra challenge that was new to me.

As I approached the top of the third hill, I heard a first-time visitor say, “I see Lake Michigan! It’s just over the next hill!” As a frequent visitor of these dunes, I knew this was a common misconception. In fact, one of my favorite parts about exploring these dunes is hearing the comments and questions from the first-timers. A commonly asked question is, “Are we almost there?” Locals around will smile, shake their heads, and say, “Well, not really. But it’s worth it to keep going.”

As someone who hates to get sand in her shoes, I chose to run this adventure barefoot. I did experience some mild discomfort, as I am not used to running barefoot in the sand. I completed this challenge in the morning, before the sand got too hot. That made the sand much more bearable. However, the friction of the sand became painful towards the end. If you aren’t used to running in the sand, I recommend shoes to help avoid obtaining blisters.

As you get closer to Lake Michigan, the path evens out and the hills are less frequent. At this point, the sand becomes hard-packed. Additionally, there are many sharp, tiny pebbles mixed into the sand, which can be painful on bare feet. Again, shoes would be helpful in this area. If you do wear shoes, I recommend something very light and breathable.

If you are new to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, it can be easy to get off track or get lost. There are many trails that venture off the main Dune Climb Trail to Lake Michigan. It is easy to get confused about which path is the correct one. Fortunately, there are blue posts that lead the way. Stick to these blue, numbered markers and you’ll safely get to Lake Michigan.

Arriving at Lake Michigan and wading into the frigid water felt amazing. Completing this run in mid-June meant that water was still very cold. It was a like a mid-run ice bath. There were some brave children playing in the waves, but most people just dipped their toes in. It was difficult to pull myself away, knowing I had to face the same rolling hills on the way back. I advise taking some time to linger here and soak in the beauty of the shoreline.

If you are feeling extra adventurous and energetic, travel north down the beach and check out the driftwood on shore. This driftwood is from a shipwreck that is currently unidentified. It is about a quarter mile from where the Dune Climb Trail meets Lake Michigan. The shipwreck is not always entirely visible as it can become covered in sand due to various wind conditions. This structure is especially cool in the winter, as winds blow water from Lake Michigan on it and the icicles form in unique patterns. It is definitely worth the extra hike down the beach.

Be sure to bring sunscreen and water on this adventure. There is (almost) no shade on this route, and if the sun is out, you can feel every ray. At the top of a couple of the hills, there are some trees that provide an escape from the hot sun. These are good places to stop and rest if you need to. There is a water fountain and bathroom near the parking lot, but not out on the trails.

Though the entire run from the parking lot to Lake Michigan and back is only 3.8 miles, it is an intense workout. My lungs were on fire running up some of those hills. Do not hesitate to take walk breaks if you need to. My pace certainly slowed going up all those hills. It is a very scenic run and it definitely holds up its “Most Beautiful Place in America” title. And after all of that hard work, there is no better feeling than free running down the big dune climb at the end.