Mount Baldhead, often simply called Mt. Baldy, is the sandy giant crowned by a white radar dome that rises over downtown Saugatuck. Visitors on our sailing charters regularly ask about that mysterious white sphere on the horizon, guessing everything from a water tower to a secret Airbnb. In reality it is a preserved Cold War radar station that once scanned Lake Michigan skies for incoming bombers. Climbing this 230-foot dune rewards you with two postcard views: the Kalamazoo River curving past Saugatuck on one side and the blue expanse of Lake Michigan on the other. Below is everything you need to plan a perfect Mount Baldhead hike.

Quick Facts

• Elevation gain: about 230 feet

• Stair count: 302 wooden steps

• Trail length: 0.6 mile round-trip to the summit, about 1.5 miles if you continue down to the beach

• Difficulty: moderate cardio workout with rest landings

• Cost: free

• Best time: sunrise for quiet trails and cool temps or golden hour for photos

• Family friendly: yes, kids love the dune run down to Oval Beach

  
  

Why Hike Mount Baldhead

Cold War history in plain sight
The radar dome is part of the Saugatuck Gap Filler Annex, a 1950s early-warning outpost that fed data into the national aerospace defense network.

Double-water panorama
Face east for a sweeping look at the Kalamazoo River and downtown Saugatuck, then pivot west for an unobstructed Lake Michigan horizon.

Beach finish line
After soaking in the summit views, follow the sandy trail on the dune’s west side and sprint straight to Oval Beach. A dip in the lake is the perfect reward.

Season-round appeal
Spring trillium blooms, summer beach days, fiery fall color, and quiet winter snowshoe routes keep the hike interesting all year.

Bragging rights
Each September the Mount Baldhead Challenge race adds the 302-step climb to a seven-mile or twelve-mile course. Proceeds support local youth programs, so your aching quads help the community too.

Step-by-Step Trail Guide

1. Ride the Chain Ferry
   Cross the Kalamazoo River from downtown Saugatuck. The ferry lands at the base of the dune.

2. Picnic area and facilities
   Shaded tables, grills, and restrooms sit beside the trailhead. Fuel up or regroup with friends before you climb.

3. Climb the 302 steps
   The staircase zigzags up the dune. Use the landings to stretch, sip water, and snap photos of the river behind you.

4. Circle the radar dome
   At the top a short boardwalk loops around the fiberglass-clad radar, giving you 360-degree views.

5. Descend west to Oval Beach
   Follow the sandy path to one of Michigan’s most beloved public beaches. Pack a towel and cool off in the lake.

6. Return options
   Hike back up the dune to the steps, or follow Perryman Street to reach the ferry landing without another climb.

Insider Tips

• Start early or late to avoid midday heat and get easier parking.

• Wear trail shoes or sandals with heel straps. Loose flip-flops struggle in the sand.

• Stay on marked paths to protect fragile dune plants.

Extend Your Adventure

• Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers four more miles of wooded sand-ridge trails and a quieter stretch of shoreline.

• Douglas Beach Park provides a smaller beach with sunset Adirondack chairs.

• Downtown art stroll: Celebrate your climb with a gallery hop, craft beer, or gelato back on Butler Street.

Mount Baldhead delivers everything that makes Saugatuck special: local history, a heart-pumping climb, river and Great Lake views, and a beach at the finish. Lace up, grab your camera, and conquer those 302 steps. Mt. Baldy is calling.