Climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes is not easy. In fact, park officials warn visitors against it, as the steep sand mounds can sometimes result in rescues being necessary.
And if you’re unsure whether you want to attempt climbing Sleeping Bear’s famous dunes, then you should check out this video first:
The video shows multiple people making an effort to climb up a dune. It’s what many would call “type 2 fun,” meaning in the moment, no one is having a good time.
The account that posted it is a fan account of the area. They say going down is easy, but getting back up is a challenge. They also warn visitors that if you need help getting back up, it could cost you.
“If you get stuck and need a rescue, it could cost you up to $3,000,” they posted. “The steeper the descent, the tougher (and pricier) the rescue.”
Climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan sits on Lake Michigan. Climbing Sleeping Bear is one of the attractions, and the National Park Service (NPS) recommends visitors try climbing what they call the “Dune Climb.”
The benefit of that area is that the bottom is a parking lot and picnic area. So if the dune gets too strenuous, you can always just run back down to safety. This is in contrast to the dune in the video, which brings you to the lakeside, where you need to be able to climb to get back up.
“Climbing a sand dune, or watching your kids climb one, is a bucket list item for most visitors at Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Dune Climb offers a safe stretch of pure, wind-blown sand for your climbing pleasure,” writes the NPS on their website. But they add, “Climbing to the top of the Dune Climb is strenuous but rewarding, so be sure to evaluate your physical abilities before you start.”