The View from the Top: Pyramid Point's Sky-High Reward

Hiking to Pyramid Point in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a short but rewarding adventure that packs in some of the park’s most stunning scenery. The trail climbs steadily through a shaded forest before breaking out onto open bluffs with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. The sandy overlook is dramatic, with steep drop-offs that plunge down to the shoreline far below, making it a favorite spot for photos, relaxing, or a quick workout down to the lake. Despite the trail’s relative ease and modest length, the payoff feels big—an iconic view that captures the wild beauty of Sleeping Bear in a single hike.

Trailhead elevation 718'

Water filterable from Lake Michigan

Don't miss going down to Lake Michigan and the climb back up

Hiking to Pyramid Point

It’s Labor Day weekend when Heather and I arrive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, ready for a few days of hiking and relaxing on the beach. Our first stop is Pyramid Point, one of the most popular spots along the mainland. We set off shortly after arriving, pausing at an information sign about the Carsten and Anne Catherine Miller Farm, which once stood just off the trail. The Millers—parents and five children—lived in a hand-hewn log cabin here, growing fruit and grain and raising dairy cows, chickens, and hogs. Their cabin was one of nearly 30 historic farms that belonged to the Port Oneida Rural Historic District, the country's largest and most complete historical agricultural landscape in public ownership.

Within a couple hundred yards, the trail slips into a shady forest of birch and maple and begins a gentle climb. About three-quarters of a mile in, the dirt path gives way to soft, deep sand, and suddenly Lake Michigan flashes into view.

Just beyond, a posted sign warns hikers not to descend the bluff. Heather and I chuckle and move out to the overlook.

The view is stunning, all blue horizon and wind-polished waves. North and South Manitou Islands are off in the distance to the north while a sailboat sits anchored along the coast.

As we take it in, Heather notices a few hikers scrambling up from the shoreline below. She asks if I’m up for the climb down. I can’t resist the challenge, so we head for the steep descent. The sand is loose and studded with rocks, but we’re on the beach in minutes.

We wander along the rocky shoreline for half a mile before Heather grins and suggests a quick skinny dip. The water is warm enough, so within seconds my clothes are off and I’m in knee-deep, with Heather close behind. It’s surprisingly shallow, stretching far out into the lake, so instead of trudging farther out, we simply sink down where we are, letting the cool water wash away the stiffness of the long drive. Our fun lasts only a minute or so, but it’s refreshing and unforgettable. After drying off, laughing, snapping a few photos, and scanning the shore for Petoskey stones, we turn back.

The climb up is slightly challenging and within fifteen minutes we’re back on top, looking down at where we’d just been. It’s a quick adventure, but one filled with fun and a bit of Heather's personal favorite - spontaneity.

From here, we head to Empire for dinner, then out to Esch Beach to watch the sunset and build a fire.

Tomorrow holds what I’ve been looking forward to most—a ferry ride to South Manitou Island to hike the Old Growth Cedars Trail. It’s been on my radar for years, and I can’t imagine a better trail partner to experience it with than Heather.