1966 Hiking Challenge: Mount Baldy

Gain perspective from Indiana's largest moving dune. Fleecy white clouds lazily drift overhead as chattery bank swallows dig burrows in the sand. Propelled by both natural and human influences, Mount Baldy flows southeast each year. Sand crystals—first sorted by waves, then sifted with wind, tumble up the lakeward slope of this mammoth mound. As the sugary grains blow over the dune's crest, they begin to billow down the steep backside. Made of modern sands shifting over older hills, this “living” dune covers whatever lies in its path; burying trees and structures alike.

• The Mount Baldy Beach Access Trail brings visitors through the coastal woodland that surrounds this behemoth dune. This 0.35 mile out and back trail winds visitors from the parking lot to Lake Michigan's shore.
• For visitor safety and due to its sensitivity, the Mount Baldy Summit Trail has Restricted Access and is only available on ranger-led tours. Access to the Mount Baldy Summit Trail requires accompaniment by authorized staff. There are ranger-led daytime and sunset hikes on weekends throughout the summer and at other times of the year. Hike dates and times are available on the park's website calendar, Facebook page, or by contacting the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.

The 1966 Hiking Challenge is comprised of 19 hikes that cover 66 miles of trail in the park- celebrating the park’s founding in 1966. The ranger-led hike for this trail met at the Mount Baldy Parking Lot and was scheduled for Saturday, June 15th at 8:00 AM. Do not worry if you cannot make each of the 19 ranger-led hikes. A check-off sheet will be available at the Visitor Center or the the Paul H. Douglas Center for those who complete the hikes on their own.

REMINDER: Information found on this page is specific to the 1966 Hiking Challenge

• Please visit Mount Baldy Trails to access general information about this trail

• Please visit Hiking at Indiana Dunes National Park for general information and maps of all of the park's hiking trails.

BE PREPARED

• Please visit Trail Safety for tips and reminders to ensure your adventure is both safe and enjoyable
• Ranger-led hikes occur rain or shine and are only canceled in inclement weather such as high winds or thunderstorms when conditions are unsafe

Getting There

Trailhead Parking Lot
101 Rice Street (U.S. Highway 12), Michigan City, IN 46360

Trailhead GPS Coordinates
41.706852, -86.929907 (Decimal Degrees)

Need to Know

• The Mount Baldy Beach Trail and Mount Baldy Parking Lot are open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The Summit Trail has Restricted Access. Access to the Mount Baldy Summit Trail requires accompaniment by authorized staff. There are ranger-led daytime and sunset hikes on weekends throughout the summer and at other times of the year. Hike dates and times are available on the park's website calendar, Facebook page, or by contacting the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.
• Passes are required.
• Hike Length – 2.0 miles [this is an extended route down the beach for 1966 Hiking Challenge.]
• Hike Time – 1.5 hours.
• Difficulty – Moderate to rugged with the approach to the beach being very steep loose sand.
• Trail Surface – Packed dirt with sections of loose sand. Use caution when hiking the beach trail to Mount Baldy Beach. The dune and shoreline are in a constant state of change from the weather and lake levels. Obey all trail markers and warning signs to be safe. The summit of Mount Baldy remains closed except during ranger-led programs.
• Facilities – Year-round restrooms and potable water.
• Pets – Permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).
• Prohibited – Littering and hunting.
• Prohibited – Bicycles and motorized vehicles.
• Prohibited – Removing plants, rocks, shells, and fossils.
• Prohibited – Glass and fires on the beach.
• Parking lot is paved and large enough for RVs and buses.
• There is a picnic shelter and two additional picnic tables at the parking lot. First come, first served. No advance reservations.

 

From the parking lot, hike to the beach, then walk west to Kintzle Ditch. Then return to the parking lot. Ranger-led tour will include trail to the summit. Must be accompanied by an official park ranger or staff member to hike trail to the summit.
Total distance: 1.84 mi