The Heritage Trail is a groomed trail that is perfect for a skier of any skill level, and its a great time no matter how many times youve been. Directions Find your way to the Lakeshore by car, plane, or bus. Id never known it was possible. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating, as well as cozying up in front of a fireplace at a bed and breakfast. Id never seen the dunes like this draped in a shadow from behind, revealing new sands and blues and greens in the dawning morning light. Bauman says she sees people ski, snowshoe, hike and even fat-tire bike the Pierce Stocking drive. In other areas of the dunes the use of skis, snowboards, sleds, toboggans, saucer sleds, inflatable tubes or similar equipment is prohibited except when snow covered. Click here to see our list of small towns. A Park Pass is required leave the pass in your car on the dash or in view. Best Self-Guided Tours in Japan: 10 Amazing Tours For 2023, Airbnb in Clifton, Cape Town: 11 great places to stay in 2023, What are the best Airbnbs in Tokyo? Bench trails are so-called because they are L-shaped like a bench that has been cut into the side of a hill to make a level walking trail. The Empire Bluff Trail is a picture-perfect site to see all year round, but especially so in the winter months. Fat tire bikes are specifically designed for off-season terrain like snow and ice, so fat tire bikes are perfect for the dunes in the winter. The views are stunning but make sure to look for signs of where the trails end because areas around the bluff can be dangerous due to snow and ice. stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. It now has 2-3 of additional, soft powder on top. Instead, stay up high along the ridge and take in the world from the viewpoint that only the Sleeping Bear Dunes can give you! Within a 20 mile radius of Sleeping Bear Resort are four ski resorts, nine cross country ski & snowshoe trails, two snow tubing destinations and over 135 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. A fishing license is required and there are protocols for drilling into the lake, both of which can be found on the website of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Id been wanting to get out to see the new reroute of Empire Bluff Trail and one wonderful winter morning appeared where I had nowhere to be and plenty to do and went anyway. 15 Must-Visit Michigan Christmas Towns for A Hallmark Movie Vibe, Sleeping Bear Dunes Winter Vacation Guide. We got 2-3 of fresh powder last night. Although the house itself is gorgeous and the rooms are very cozy, their delicious breakfast steals the show. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the parks rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history. Saugatuck is a charming town on the shores of Lake Michigan that offers plenty of activities for couples during the winter months. Ice fishing: Glen Lake, located near Sleeping Bear Dunes, is a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter months. Everything you need to know to plan your camping trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Unfortunately, temporary closures do happen in the park from time to time. What to pack for your Sleeping Bear Dunes trip? See the web stories that accompany this post. The newest section of trail from Port Oneida Road to Bohemian Road (CR-669) is open for skiing but is not groomed. Include the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Life Saving Station, the Dune Climb, canoe trips on the Crystal and Platte Rivers, and the biking and hiking trails - especially the new Heritage Trail for hiking and biking and the new Palmer Woods trail for mountain biking. Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. But winter brings an entirely different kind of beauty to the park, and a stillness, too. Located just 30 minutes from Traverse City, Sleeping BearDunes is perfect for a winter romantic getaway, a kid friendlyoutdoor adventureor even family reunions and holiday events. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. The Sleeping Bear Dunes region provides a number of options for campers. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants in town, or opt for a cozy cafe or pub. Youll also discover that youll have many of our most popular trails to yourself. If the reroute wasnt enough, the mornings icy trail would be a remake of last years mistake. When we got to the trailhead on Wilco Road, just outside of Empire, I hung my trail pass off my rearview mirror and pointed out the absolutely empty parking lot to Maple. You can hope to see whitetail deer, red foxes, and snowshoe hares among other adorable woodland creatures. Welcome to the official Facebook page for Sleeping Bear Dunes National. A good part of the history of our area relates, as you would expect, to the water and vessels plying it. Sleeping Bear entrance fee There are a few expenses you should prepare for as you plan your trip. If you have younger children, they are welcome to join their adult drivers in either 2 person or 4 person dune buggy rentals. Interns will gain valuable experience in the fields . Click the button below to sign up for email newsletter, annual Newsletter Mailing, and/or email Ski Reports, 2023 Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes,All Rights Reserved Not only will you experience perfect terrain for a day of skiing, but this activity is a great way to get some outdoor exercise too! Winter festivals: Saugatuck hosts several winter festivals throughout the season, including the Winterfest and the Chili Cook-Off. Here is an overview of the most important things to know before traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes. In fact, younger kids may be better off starting in the middle of the hill. Best tips for your Sleeping Bear Dunes trip. A Metro Detroit Indoor Water Park is the Best Cure, 2023 New: What To Do When its Raining in Metro Detroit. Sleeping Bear Dunes has a lot to offer, whatever your interests. Located on M-22 and Port Oneida Road.The first-ever maple sugaring event at the Lakeshore. Sleeping Bear Dunes NL nps.gov/slbe Born October 21 Joined April 2012. If you snowshoe or hike on backcountry trails, please stay out of the ski tracks. After youre worn out from the ride, stop by Glen Arbor for some hot chocolate and yummy treats. Explore the Shore Since the park is situated right in the middle of two of the most charming towns in Northern Michigan, there are plenty of places to stay, including winter rentalsnear Sleeping BearDunes. Year-round facilities include showers and restrooms. We typically get more snow than even Traverse City which is located only 15 miles away. But I need to stop right here and tell you how rare this moment was. Here's how to explore the park as a family. Ive seen people go all the way up with toboggans and crash helmets and come screaming down the hill. All rights reserved (About Us). The park is known for its scalable dunes at the Dune Climb. While most of the trails fall into the easy to moderate category, Sleeping Bear Point and the Dunes Hiking Trail are the two most strenuous paths. If youre looking for a bit more of a challenge during a Sleeping Bear Dunes winter day trip, give the Old Indian and Alligator Hill trails a try. It is accessible by car, plane, or bus and you can find maps and more detailed directions on the Directions page of the National Parks Service website. guide to the best breweries in Traverse City. . Hike 100 miles of designated trails in the Lakeshore. Last updated: March 6, 2023 Was this page helpful? Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are both great ways to appreciate the area's natural resources when the weather turns cold you can rent equipment or sign up for a lesson at The Homestead. Credits: Wikimedia Commons Sleeping Bear Dunes Weather Snowmobiling: For couples looking for a little more adventure, snowmobiling is a popular activity in the area. When the conditions are right and the snow is great, its a fantastic time., Here's a mid-Monday conditions report. EMPIRE, MICH. --Winter has come, and you'd be hard pressed to find a prettier place to experience it than Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Backcountry ski and hiking trails (Old Indian, Platte Plains, Windy Moraine, Bay View, Good Harbor,Alligator Hill), Fresh powder everywhere with a good base of 3-5. Need domestic travel insurance for your Sleeping Bear Dunes trip? 20 Top Michigan Summer Camps for Kids 2023, Best Michigan Gift Baskets: Michigan-Made Foods, Goodies 2023, 25+ BEST Romantic Getaways in Michigan: Cabins, Hot Tubs, Michigan Staycation Vacations 2023: 15 Best Destinations, Strap on the skis for some downhill skiingat, Check out the panoramic views of Sleeping BearBay with some, The Grand Traversearea is home to great local craft breweries: try one of the beer toursor make your own with our. You dont have to do the whole thing, she says -- even just a portion can provide a great outing. By using this site, you agree to the use of cookies by Flickr and our partners as described in our cookie policy . No We had climbed the steepest section of the trail down and backwards on all fours. Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center in Empire9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630. Brewery tours: Frankenmuth is home to several breweries that offer tours and tastings. Theres no need to stay cooped up inside when you have 65 miles of shoreline and 100 miles of trails stretching from Empire to Glen Arbor to experience. Couples can enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea and a meal together while taking in the towns charming atmosphere. The Leelanau Peninsula is surrounded by water and is home to some beautiful and quaint little villages. #shareslbe #trailconditions #LakeMichigan, A post shared by SleepingBearNPS (@sleepingbearnps) on Dec 2, 2019 at 9:45am PST. Finally, though Leelanau County is best known for its natural beauty, we are rich with cultural resources as well. New 2023 Easter Egg Hunts & Events in Metro Detroit by Date, 20+ Michigan Indoor Waterparks, Metro Detroit Waterparks & Beyond, 7 Unique Things to Do in Detroit this Weekend, Easter Egg Hunts & Events in Metro Detroit New by City, Leaving your Kids Home Alone Includes Michigan Law, How To: Install a Car Seat in an Extended Cab Truck, Biggest Guide to Birthday Party Ideas in Metro Detroit. Believe it or not, for a select few of the most loyal fans of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the answer just might be winter. Guided Snowshoe Hikes Most roads and parking lots are snow-covered but the sun is out and the streets are quickly clearing. TIP: My recommendation is to try Empire Bluffs EARLY and in the WINTER. Come winter, the landmark thats arguably the most well-known spot in the park -- a giant and seemingly endless mountain of sand that kids love to climb and tumble down -- becomes the ultimate sledding hill. 2023 Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the parks rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history. Before embarking on the dune climb, grab a tube or sled and enjoy the ride down. Other people were hiking through the woods trying to avoid the trail altogether. Fresh, rather dense snow covering all of the lakeshore trails. To help people get acquainted with the many possibilities that await adventurers in this underrated season, we asked Merrith Bauman, the park's chief of interpretation, to name a few of her favorite winter activities at Sleeping Bear. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. If you do not pay for the park passes, that could result in a fine. Sleeping Bear Dunes winter hours are the same as every other season. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore announced this week that it is bringing back its popular guided snowshoe hikes this season. Couples can lace up their skates and enjoy a romantic afternoon on the ice. Visit the village of Empire: The nearby village of Empire offers charming shops and restaurants to explore. 11 EPIC experiences + practical tips, The perfect 2 day Busan itinerary for first-time visitors, Globetrotters in heart and soul. Family Activities At The Sleeping Bear Dunes A good part of the history of our area relates, as you would expect, to the water and vessels plying it. Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450' above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Plan a trip to the State Theater in Traverse City, take in a show at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, or peruse our galleries and museums. What could be better? She shrugged. Most of the trail is groomed in the winter with a corduroy base for skate skiing, snowshoeing, and classic tracks on the outside for classic cross-country skiing. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Its almost like a moonscape., Never gets old. You will get an entirely new experience. You may have to remove your skis to cross M-109 and in Glen Haven. Pets are not allowed on ski trails during winter ski season. The Dune Climb looks great for sledding this weekend. From here, the human eye can see about 25 miles before losing sight over the curvature of the earth. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore preserves 71,000 acres of natural habitat. Crystal River Outfitters Recreation District. The walk from the Dune Climb to Lake Michigan is a notoriously challenging, desert-like trek in the summer: think hot and shifty sand, zero shade, and a lot of unprepared tourists who dont pack enough water or sunscreen. This service was created with the goal of simplifying trip planning. Traverse City is a beautiful destination for couples looking to escape to Michigans northern region. Explore this page to start planning your visit to the Lakeshore. SunBuggy has 1 seat dune buggies available for kids that are a minimum of 60 inches tall. Holiday both have wintertime tubing. Light fluffy snow covering the trees and trail make it ideal for photography, skiing, or snowshoeing through a secluded winter wonderland! People dont realize its a fairly complex set of hills. Light fluffy snow covering the trees and trail make it ideal for photography, skiing, or snowshoeing through a secluded winter wonderland! If you are snowshoeing along a cross-country ski trail, please stay off to the side of the skiers' tracks. Plus, she said, the climb to the top is so exhausting that its a great spot to wear out kids. Before you go, make sure your tires are at least 3.7 wide, your tire pressure is under 8 psi, and the weather conditions are suitable for biking on the trails. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. And if you are lucky, you might get there early enough to discover it alone! If you havent sledded the dune climb, you have not sledded, Bauman says. In the lakeshores meadows and along streams and low shrub cover, you may find red and gray foxes, weasels, and squirrels. This section will be groomed again this year. Winter photography: The winter landscape at Sleeping Bear Dunes offers stunning photo opportunities. Cozy cafes and restaurants: Saugatuck has a variety of cafes and restaurants that offer cozy indoor seating and delicious food. It is perfect for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also warm up with a cup of hot cocoa at one of the nearby coffee shops. One day hardly seems enough to explore the vast and varied region that is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Empire, The Empire Lakeshore Inn is an amazing place to stay that just happens to be next to one of the best sandwich shops in Michigan, the Shipwreck Caf. See the wonderful captioned multimedia presentation and exhibits. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Campgrounds usually fill from October through May. There are several scenic spots on the island to watch the sunset, including Sunset Rock in addition to British Landing. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail winds through the forest with views of 19 th century farmsteads. 2 sets of classic tracks. The trails, scenic views and popular destinations are all still herejust embellished with a new look. Its 71,000 acres are widely known for their scenic views, massive dunes, Indigenous history, and lush forests.If youre wondering what to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes in winter, weve got you covered. You wont be able to find a better sledding hill in all of Michigan. Indoor water park: Frankenmuth is home to the. Winter is a great time because the animals are easier to see. She enjoys the Metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people. The Park is open seven days a week with the exception of some holidays. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to grab any trail maps you need. Additionally, there are annual passes and free entrance days too (Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only day in winter) that are completely free for all guests. Official news and information source for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Here you can find all info on domestic travel insurance for your trip. The main visitor center at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Columbus Day to Memorial Day.. Winter on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is special. Shopping: Frankenmuth is known for its unique shops and boutiques, which offer a wide variety of gifts and souvenirs. Northern Michigan is a site to see any time of year, but the dunes are a must-do activity for the whole family in the wintertime. You can reach her atwww.kandacechapple.com. First, the cost of the entrance pass is based on your vehicle. Essentially, all reservations will now be made through a new system, recreation.gov. Once the temperatures drop, cozy little ice fishing shelters pop up all over the frozen lakes. If youre visiting from out of state or simply interested in trying a new winter sport, head to Crystal River Outfitters Recreation District for rentals at an affordable price. Its probably number one on the list, she says. An added bonus: Because hardly anybody does it, you get a sense of the wilderness, Bauman says. And not a grain of sand in the bottom of my boots! The wildlife in northern Michigan is at its peak in the dunes, which are home to over 50 species of mammals. Beaches include Platte River Point, where the river flows into the lake. But that. Our wildlife is fairly shy, Bauman says. Cross country is way more fun than I expected it to be, but ever since I found it Ive done it every winter. Snowshoeing: There are several parks and nature preserves in the area that offer snowshoeing trails. Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan winter season is the best time of year to spot the regions quiet wildlife. Enjoy! But, hey, you're on a schedule and this is a must-do experienceso here are some highlights that are well worth your limited time. In addition to the marked public trails, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is open all winter. Star gazing: Sleeping Bear Dunes is a designated dark sky park, therefore making it an ideal spot for star gazing. Instead of hiking a bit along the dune trail and turning back, I found it easy to keep going. For the best restaurants in Sleeping Bear Dunes, click here. Use these top ten tips to plan like a park ranger. Couples can bring their cameras and capture the snowy scenery, including the frozen Lake Michigan. Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (13), Carlyn (10), Naomi (7), and a wife to her loving husband, Chancellor. Visiting the Lakeshore? From the top of the first dune, you have impressive views of Glen Lake. If you plan to stay on the marked routes, check out the Lakeshore website to compare distances and difficulty levels amongst the fourteen trails. AAt first look, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore seems familiar to kids. Today, though, I was delighted to find the new bench trail that had been cut into the hillside last fall. This trail is a hard-surface, multi-use trail, which runs about 22 miles from Empire through Glen Haven and Glen Arbor to Bohemian Road. Two of the flattest trails in the Lakeshore are the Good Harbor Bay Trail, only 2.8 miles, and the Platte Plains Trail which is a lot longer at over 14 miles. Since Dune Climb is the only area that permits sledding, it is important to stay up to date on the Parks policies. The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is where you can find brochures, maps, and park rangers to tell you about the history of the park and other helpful information. . Home Sleeping Bear Dunes Winter Vacation Guide. The park offers guided snowshoe hikes as well as self-guided hikes via the NPS Sleeping Bear Dunes app on your phone. The name derives from an Ojibwa Indian legend in which a mother bear and two cubs swam across the lake from Wisconsin to escape a forest fire; the cubs drowned and . This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites without extra cost to you. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the islands many restaurants, or spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and gifts. The sand underneath can be unstable and the snow cover can add to the instability, causing an avalanche. This mile-and-a-half out-and-back trail has amazing views of snowy trees, open fields, and of course plenty of cliff-side water views. That could be one of these Garmin hiking watches, for example. Renting a car:Check outRentalscars.comandDiscover cars. In addition to the marked public trails, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is open all winter. Gallery hopping: Saugatuck is home to several art galleries and studios that showcase the work of local artists. Explore this page to start planning your visit to the Lakeshore. As the temperatures rise above freezing, the snow will pack and get icy. A souvenir is a must on this trip and the bookstore and museum have great options for keepsakes. Some areas of this section are so close to the highway that snowplows throw sand and salt on the trail. The frozen dunes were hardpacked, mostly solid, with a firm footing instead of the shifting sand of summer. A part of that history deals with the shoals, lighthouses, storms, heroic efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Life-Saving Service, and, of course, shipwrecks. Explore by candlelight on a winter hike at the Dune Climb on Feb 18th, 6-8pm. Empire Bluff Trail #empireblufftrail #empiremichigan #sleepingbeardunes #puremichigan #ilovetohike, A post shared by David Marks (@dmarksupnorth) on Dec 20, 2019 at 1:09pm PST. Empire, Location: Michigan. Couples can bring blankets and hot drinks and spend an evening admiring the night sky. Check out the interactive park map and find trail maps. The Ashininaabek used the Mother Bear as a landmark and tell a story about how she came to be . If you are looking for a romantic winter getaway, then Michigan has a lot to offer for couples. If you are leaving a rut deeper than an inch, having a hard time riding in a straight line, or pushing your bike, the snow is too soft and you should not ride your bikeon the trail. This precious little B&B has unique rooms, cozy beds, and idyllic views all winter long. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. The Park designates many areas and summer hiking trails to be groomed and prepped for ideal skiing and winter sporting activities. Sleeping Bear Dunes, large complex of shifting sand dunes, extending 7 miles (11 km) along the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan between Empire and Glen Haven, in the northwestern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, U.S. Located about 5 miles north of Empire, conquering this 245-foot dune is at least a bit easier in the winter when the temperatures have firmed up the ground and replaced the sand with snow. Who says cycling is a summer sport? Todaywe groomed from Glen Haven to Glen Arbor. Management includes monitoring, research, and restoration efforts to help maintain the complex and delicate web of life. Registration details will be included in the calendar listing. Anytime the dune is covered in snow the park designates a portion of the dune just for sledding. Couples can visit the many tasting rooms in town, take a wine tour, or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the areas winery restaurants. Couples can enjoy a winter hike through the snowy forests and take in the stunning views of Lake Michigan. Zehnders Snowfest: Every January, Frankenmuth hosts the Zehnders Snowfest, a winter festival that includes snow and ice sculpting competitions, live music, food, and more. Would you like to volunteer to help out on the trails? Fat tire bikes are the perfect solution for cruising through snow and sand thanks to the sturdy large tires and balanced frame of the bike. This may be a scenic drive, but you most definitely wont be bringing any sort of automobile through the Pierce Stocking scenic drive in winter. Tweets & replies. If you time your visit right, you can enjoy the annual Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival, which typically happens in September, and is a weekend packed with tons of outdoor adventures. And now, thanks to the new trail, not death-defying. Hike past beech-maple forest and open fields on this fairly easy but somewhat hilly trail. Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at night on a candlelit winter hike on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 6-8 p.m. at the Dune Climb. Ice fishing in compliance with State of regulations is permitted. Joshua Tree National Park. Ice fishing: Glen Lake, located near Sleeping Bear Dunes, is a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter months. The trail from Glen Arbor to the Dune Climb (4 miles) is relatively flat with beautiful scenery. Use these top ten tips to plan like a park ranger. For more info on the trail visit here. But youre still a long way from Lake Michigan, which is 1.5 miles away. Cozy cafes and restaurants: Frankenmuth has several cafes and restaurants that offer cozy indoor seating and delicious food. Get to know us better on our about us page. Horse-drawn carriage rides: Frankenmuth offers horse-drawn carriage rides through the town, which provide a romantic way to see the sights and take in the Bavarian architecture. Perched along the edge of the large dune that towers about Lake Michigan, this dune, at one time, resembled a sleeping bear. Please exercise caution! Explore the sleeping bear dunes. Yet activities are abundant and the Lakeshore remains a wonderful place to explore. Instead, stay up high along the ridge and take in the world from the viewpoint that only the Sleeping Bear Dunes can give you! Winter on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is special. To make use of it, campers wishing to reserve a site should call 1.877.444.6777 or visit recreation.gov. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The scenic 7.5-mile twisty loop in the dunes is well known for the incredible views of the dunes, the water, and plenty of wildlife sightings. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. For more info on the trail visit here. 9922 Front Street Good covering of snow EXCEPT near Glen Haven, where the wind has blown some of the snow off. This popular Midwest pastime is a really fun experience you wont want to miss out on. 248,866 were here. Off we hiked, like walking on water, clipping across the frozen dunes and able to cover more ground than I ever had on the bluffs. Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire is open 9 am to 4 pm, seven days a week, year round, and is located just east of the intersection of M72 and M22. Its nearly impossible to get completely lost in Sleeping Bear Dunes because the park is bordered on one side by Lake Michigan and the M22 on the other. The trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip and has interpretive numbered posts along the way that correspond with info on the website. The slowlymoving sand, seabirds and miles of greenish-blue water all add up to one thing- the sea. But the 3.5-mile round-trip hike is a different experience altogether in the winter, Bauman says.