So, you’re planning a trip to the dunes. Well, you probably know, if you’ve walked on a sandy beach, traveling in sand is hard work. Whether you’re heading to Namibia or Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes, you’re sure to encounter a workout. Which is why we’ve compiled this list of our best tips for hiking and walking on sand dunes.
Even though hiking dunes is hard work, it’s not so bad if you stretch and prepare well. Additionally, head out in the early morning or evening for cool temps, and wear the right shoes.
Pack Light
First, chances are you’re setting out on the dunes in a warm time of year. We suggest packing light and focusing on the essentials.
- Water, preferably enough for 1 quart per hour.
- compass and map (a map will never let you down like electronics can)
- mirror (can reflect light and signal to rescue parties if needed)
- neck gaiter or bandana (to keep sand out of your mouth and nose in the wind)
- snacks and/or lunch
- Sunglasses
- comb (makes removing cactus spines and thorns a cinch)
For long trips in an uncharted area, all of the above plus:
- whistle
- flashlight (your phone flashlight will die very quickly)
- extra food and water
- first aid kit
- a extra, insulating layer (temps quickly drop as dusk approaches)
- portable battery charger for navigation electronics
In addition, always wear sun protection, regardless of the season. You will need sunglasses, sunscreen and a brimmed hat. And, although it seems ridiculous in the heat, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt will rescue you from the a good deal of the sun’s rays.
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Finally, while flare guns seem like a great idea, they must be used properly to avoid serious injury, and wildfires. If stranded on the sand dunes, it is safe to use a flare gun to signal that you’re lost as long as you shoot it straight into the sky. Never at the ground, at a person, or out into the distance. It’s advisable to shoot them twice in a row so rescue crews can zero in on your location.
Additionally, shooting a flare in the daylight will work just the same, then whip out your mirror afterward to signal your location toward any circling aircraft.
Don the Proper Footwear
Hiking dunes can be really horrible if you’re wearing heavy or stiff footwear. The best shoes and boots for your trip to the dunes will be lightweight, eliminate blisters and keep sand out.
We go over this further in our post Best Shoes for Sand Dunes. For instance, I opt for smaller and breathable shoes for short day hikes and enjoy the Watelves Sport.5 Sand Shoe.
A tight water shoe is really nice for those of us with sweaty feet. However, for long treks, a nice hot-weather hiking boot will serve you well.
In fact, we’ve been to the dunes in almost every type of shoe and, while breathable, running shoes will fill with sand and cause chaffing, blisters, and sore feet very quickly. If you mean business, the right footwear will completely change your hike.
Finally, always wear shoes as sand gets molten hot in the middle of a summer day. In fact, when outside temps reach 90°F, sand can get be 120°F causing serious injury (source).
Stretch
Of course, not only do you want to be comfortable and prepared for anything, you need to ready your body as well. Ascending and descending the dunes is a great workout for your quadriceps, calves, hamstrings and glutes.
In fact, even if you’re hiking level ground in the sand, you’re working these parts of your lower body constantly. So, stretch yourself before heading out onto the sand.
These are our favorite stretches before and after hiking sand dunes:
Standing Wall Calf Stretch
To stretch your calves:
- While facing a wall (or large object, like a car), step yourself about two footsteps away from the wall.
- Bring your right foot forward, slightly bend in the right knee, grounding your left heel down into the earth.
- Bring your upper body forward slightly to deepen the stretch felt in your left calf, using the wall for stability.
- Hold stretch for 20-30 seconds and repeat with both legs 2-3 times.
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Alternatively, you can stretch your calves by stepping with your toe on a stair or parking curb. Stretch one calf at a time by pointing your heel to the earth. Again, hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
Standing Quad Stretch
To stretch your quadriceps:
- While standing, hold onto a chair back, or anything really to assist with balance.
- While grasping your ankle with one hand, bend your knee back to your bum.
- Assist in bending your knee back as far as possible. You should feel this in the front of your thigh.
- Maintain position for 30 seconds.
- Return to standing position and repeat with other leg.
- Repeat 3 to 5 times with each leg.
Seated Figure 4 Stretch for Glutes
To stretch your glutes:
- Sit upright in a sturdy chair. Place your left ankle on your right thigh, just above your knee. Place your hands on your shin.
- Keep the back straight while leaning forward slightly to deepen the stretch.
- Hold stretch for 20–30 seconds and repeat with your opposite leg.
- Repeat 3 to 5 times with each leg.
Sitting Hamstring Stretch
To stretch your hamstrings:
- While sitting on the floor, extend your right leg, keep it slightly bent at the knee.
- Bend your left leg and bring it in to rest its sole on your right leg.
- Bend forward at the waist, with your back straight until you feel the stretch in the back of your right thigh.
- Hold for 10–30 seconds.
- Repeat with left leg.
- And repeat 3 to 5 times with each leg.
On the Approach
As mentioned above, taking the hills at the early morning or evening hours will help stave off burnout. The dunes can kick your butt when the sun is at it’s hottest. Consequently, if you’ll be out during that part of the day, remember to reapply sunscreen every two or so hours.
Don’t get discouraged as you climb, sand dunes are difficult for everyone. In fact, take breaks when you need and stick to shaded areas if you find any.
Finally, if you have the option, it will be even easier to ride the crest as pictured above. Hikers will find it a great break to walk along the topmost ridge and avoid descent and subsequent ascents as long as possible for some rest.
Descend as you Please
Now, the descent depends solely on your style. For instance, you could just run straight down knowing full well there’s no obstacles to trip you up. In our opinion, this is the most fun and exhilarating way to descend. However, it’s most easy in small sand shoes opposed to hiking boots.
Additionally, as you’ll likely be tired from the ascent, slowly sliding down on your bum is totally acceptable and completely fun.
Alternatively, you could take the hill by sand board or sled. This is one thing I have admittedly not done yet, but can’t wait to do in the future.
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Plot your Course
It’s easy to get lost as you put more and more distance between yourself and the car. We recommend bringing a compass and sticking to the trails if there are any. Snag a map before heading out and note your location in intervals of 15-20 minutes or at the top of dunes to keep your bearings.
If you’re not confident in your abilities with a compass, it may be time to invest in a GPS watch.
Before staring your hike, also set your course or timer for when to turn back. Doubling back on your own tracks in the dunes is the easiest way to ensure you don’t get lost.
Pack to Enjoy the Trip
Now that you know all of the essentials, you should consider what to pack for you to really get a lot out of your trip.
First, a lightweight blanket is a great addition for taking breaks or to keep excess sun off your back. We love the Sunlit Boho Beach Blanket.
Additionally, a pair of lightweight binoculars are great for when you spot the rare cluster of bald eagles or a herd of caribou. We have reviewed tons of binoculars on the market in our Best Lightweight Hiking Binoculars article.
And finally, for a little fun, we like to bring frisbees or this amazing disc for long distances. It can be a great bonding experience to toss these back and forth across a large swath of distance that you won’t come across everyday.
You're Ready to Hit the Sand
Views on the sand dunes are breathtaking. And, if you’re prepared enough for the cold nights, the star gazing is some of the best. However, you’ll want to be ready for anything. So, pack right and bring enough for survival so you can thrive on the dunes, whether they’re on the beach or desert.
Additionally, always tell someone where you’re going, regardless of how many people you’re traveling with. We can’t say that enough. Now that you’ve equipped yourself with our best tips for hiking sand dunes, there’s nothing left to do, but get out there.
Image Credit: Joshua Tree National Park | (source) | Public Domain Mark 1.0 — reduced file size and image