Pyramid Point is a popular spot for hiking, photography, and picnicking. It’s a great place to spend a day exploring and taking in the beauty of the Michigan landscape. The trail is located in Leelanau County within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The trailhead is on Basch Road, which is about 3 miles north of Glen Arbor on M-22. Take Port Oneida Road north about a mile, the road turn right and becomes Basch Road. Follow to trailhead. Basch Road is not plowed in winter and the parking lot is gravel.
The trailhead offers a vault toilet (similar to an outhouse). There is not any drinking water available along the trail.
The Trail and Scenic Overlook
The trail from the trailhead to the scenic overlook is 1.2 miles roundtrip. The entire trail loop is 2.7 miles with the last part of the loop on Basch Road. The trail is considered moderately challenging.
Pyramid Point Trail offers a variety of environments, including maple-beech forest, high bluffs, and meadow. The trail is mostly wooded and hard-packed sand/dirt. The hike up is steep but not too long and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.
The trail is a loop that goes down from the hill into a deep valley and back up to Basch Road. The loop is well marked and easy to follow. The trail is open to hiking, running, and walking, and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. The vast majority of people who visit the trailhead hike to the Lookout for the view and then return, a round-trip of only 1.2 miles with a bit of climbing at the end.
Remember to respect the natural environment while exploring Pyramid Point. Stay on the designated trails, pack out any trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect this beautiful place for future generations.
For more information visit the Nation Park Services Pyramid Point Overlook and Pyramid Point Trail.
Download Pyramid Point trail map.
Warning from Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes:
For your safety and to prevent erosion, DO NOT descend the bluff to Lake Michigan. The high water level of Lake Michigan has caused significant erosion resulting in 20 to 100 foot vertical drops into the lake. The bottom of the bluff is clay, which is very hard and is slippery when wet. If you run down the bluff, you may not be able to stop before you fall into the water! This will result in serious injury.
