Pyramid Point Trail
Iconic bluff overlooking Lake Michigan with stunning blue waters and distant islands. A short, steep hike to an unforgettable vista.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Pyramid Point Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic bluff overlooking Lake Michigan with stunning blue waters and distant islands. A short, steep hike to an unforgettable vista.
"The view at the end of the Pyramid Point trail cannot be beat!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is sandy and has inclines. Good shoes are a must for a comfortable hike!
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Wooded sections can have mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. Be prepared!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pyramid Point Overlook
Summit of the trail
Breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands, and crystal-clear blue waters.
Wooded Forest Path
Trail leading to the overlook
A shaded, scenic walk through hardwood forests offering a peaceful transition to the stunning vista.
Lake Michigan Blues
Overlook
Witness the iconic, Caribbean-like blues of Lake Michigan from a dramatic bluff 300 feet above.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Conditions & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is sandy and has inclines. Good shoes are a must for a comfortable hike!
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Wooded sections can have mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. Be prepared!
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable here. Plan your route and download maps before you go.
📸 Capture the Vista
The overlook offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is sandy and has inclines. Good shoes are a must for a comfortable hike!
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Wooded sections can have mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. Be prepared!
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable here. Plan your route and download maps before you go.
📸 Capture the Vista
The overlook offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Even for a short hike, it's good to have water, especially on warmer days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pyramid Point Trail for its breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands, calling it a must-see in Sleeping Bear Dunes. The short, scenic hike through the woods is a highlight, though some note the final ascent can be steep and sandy. While the overlook can get crowded, the overall experience is highly rewarding for the stunning vistas it offers.
"Took a mini vacay with my pups to the west coast of Michigan for my birthday. Pyramid Point was one of the places we decided to check out. The dogs and I had a great time walking the beautiful trail to the top. Lots of trees for shade on most of the walk. Once you get to the top you will be greeted with a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan with North Manitou Island in the distance. There isn’t a ton of room at the overlook but even with 5 different groups of people nearby it was peaceful and relaxing. There are some narrow sandy trails to the sides of the overlook but with the dogs I decided not to explore too much on those…my puggles have very active noses and I didn’t want them pulling me to sniff in more overgrown areas.
One unisex restroom was available in the parking lot as well as a trash bin and recycling bin. Just an FYI…I did not have any cell service in the parking lot or the beginning of the trail (SOS only for me) but halfway up my service came back. Nice easy hike to the top and more than worth it for the view!"
Amber Thompson
"Short walk from the parking lot for some of the best views in all of up North. Restroom and trail map at the parking lot. Definitely worth it."
Hite WB
"Good preservation of public lands, though rebuilding the original working farm would be far more valuable in my opinion. Smaller, but still difficult dune climb. Less tourists is a plus."
Seth Hershey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pyramid Point Trail is located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, north of Glen Arbor, Michigan. The trailhead is accessible via a parking lot off Glen Lake Road. Many visitors find it convenient to stay in nearby towns like Glen Arbor or Leland.
Yes, Pyramid Point Trail is a popular destination within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan.
The most common access is through the designated parking lot at the trailhead. From there, it's a short walk to the main overlook.
Yes, towns like Glen Arbor and Leland are close by and offer various accommodations. Many vacation rentals are also available in the vicinity.
Traverse City is about a 45-minute to an hour's drive from Pyramid Point Trail, making it a feasible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pyramid Point Trail is located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which requires a park entrance pass. You can purchase passes at visitor centers or online.
As an outdoor trail within a national lakeshore, Pyramid Point Trail is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, park facilities may have specific hours.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which covers access to Pyramid Point Trail. Check the NPS website for current fees.
Park entrance passes for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can often be purchased in advance online or at visitor centers.
The trail is generally open to hikers. Check with the National Park Service for any specific seasonal closures or restrictions.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The main trail to the overlook and back is approximately 0.6 miles (about 1.2 miles round trip). Some sources mention a 2.5-mile loop option. 
The trail is short but can be steep and sandy, especially the final ascent. It's considered moderately challenging by some, but manageable for most.
The overlook offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands, and the surrounding coastline. It's often described as breathtaking.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, including Pyramid Point Trail, as long as they are on a leash.
There is a parking lot, a unisex restroom, and a trail map available at the Pyramid Point trailhead.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, but the midday sun can also highlight the vibrant blues of Lake Michigan. Weekday mornings provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
You can capture sweeping landscapes of Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands, sandy bluffs, and the wooded trail. Drone photography may be restricted in national parks.
Absolutely! The elevated viewpoint provides an ideal vantage point for stunning landscape photography of the Great Lakes.
The main overlook is the prime spot, but exploring the edges of the bluff (safely) can offer unique perspectives. The trail itself also provides scenic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet-Friendly Explorers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The vibrant blues of the water and the distant Manitou Islands create a stunning backdrop. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the full panorama. Remember that the overlook can get crowded, so visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can lead to more unobstructed photographic opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pyramid Point Experience: What to Expect
The journey through the wooded forest provides a pleasant contrast to the open vista at the top. You'll wind through hardwood trees, offering shade and a sense of immersion in nature. Once you reach the summit, you're greeted with one of the most iconic views in Northern Michigan: a dramatic bluff 300 feet above Lake Michigan. The expansive panorama includes the crystal-clear, Caribbean-like blues of the lake and the distant Manitou Islands.
+1While the overlook itself might not be vast, the views are unparalleled. It's a popular spot, so expect to share the vista with other visitors, especially during peak season. However, many find the experience peaceful even with others around.
Navigating Pyramid Point Trail: Tips from the Community
Cell service can be a concern in this area, with many visitors reporting limited or no service in the parking lot and at the beginning of the trail. It's advisable to download offline maps of the area before you arrive to ensure you can navigate effectively.
While the main trail is short, the incline can be challenging for some. Taking breaks, staying hydrated, and being mindful of your footing are key.
Social
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