NORTHERN MICHIGAN -- The views of Lake Michigan along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are stunning -- an expanse of piercing blue water, often sparkling in sunlight as far as the eye can see.
Many tourists choose this location as a summer vacation spot. It's easily accessible by car and with the convenience of self-guided tours along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the trip can be family-friendly for hikers of all ages.
So it may come as a surprise that these picturesque dunes rank higher than other parks with far more mountainous terrains out West on a list of emergency rescues.
Sleeping Bear Dunes ranked 13 out of more than 100 national parks, lakeshore and recreation areas for the number of search and rescue operations in 2014, information showed.
In 2014, there were 47 search and rescue operations conducted to aid 61 people at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This number of rescue operations was higher than the 45 conducted at Olympic National Park and 37 conducted at Mount Rainier National Park, both in Washington; 37 conducted at Yellowstone National Park; and 34 at Glacier National Park in Montana last year, according to information provided by the National Park Service.
Why are so many rescues required at this popular Northern Michigan destination?
There are many reasons, said Joe Lachowski, a park ranger and coordinator of search and rescue operations at Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Two of the most common locations for rescues along the national lakeshore are below the dune overlook along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and along the dune climb trail leading out to Lake Michigan.
The level of challenge involved in making it to the water at both locations is deceiving, Lachowski said.
A sign at the top of the dune overlook warns visitors that a climb down the steep slope may require two hours of effort to make it back to the top. Along the dune trail, a sign warns the water is 1.3 hilly miles away. The round trip is 3.5 miles.
The distance can be deceiving -- the water appears to be just over the next dune. But then one dune turns into two, two into three, three into four until climbers have been hiking for hours.
There is virtually no shade along the trail on a hot, sunny day. Hikers fail to heed warning signs.
"People don't necessarily envision these risks," Lachowski said, noting how many vast, mountainous parks out West appear more dangerous. "People don't view Sleeping Bear Dunes as a wilderness park because you drove there."
In reality, those sandy dunes -- though much different than mountains -- hold a level of danger all their own during summer months. Visitors sometimes head out on the dune trail without water. Fatigue takes over quickly in hot temperatures. And it's not difficult to get disoriented.
"Basically, the sand dunes are like an oven. They reflect the heat," Lachowski said.
He has heard of several scenarios that can lead to trouble.
In some cases, parents are out hiking with their children. They grow tired, but the children want to go somewhere else farther, higher. They're allowed to go up ahead, but don't stop when expected. The kids are separated from their parents and can then get lost alone, leading to trouble. It's even more dangerous without water.
"Stick together," Lachowski said.
Cooler weather poses a risk on the water near the dunes.
In June 2014, a large rescue operation was launched after five kayakers were out in the water near South Manitou Island. At the time, there were 4 to 5 foot swells and winds up to 25 mph. Water temperatures were only about 55 degrees.
Three of the kayakers were picked up by a passing boat when they appeared too fatigued to continue. Those kayakers then reported two other members of the group were missing.
A helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City was launched and found the kayakers just in time, Lachowski said.
One of the kayakers, a teenager, was clinging to a capsized boat and a rescue swimmer noted signs of hypothermia.
Both kayakers received medical treatment and recovered. The outcome could have been much different, Lachowski said.
"That was truly a save by everybody involved," he said.
Those out in water must dress for the conditions and be aware of factors such as wind, which can complicate any activity.
Other search and rescue operations have taken place in wooded areas along the lakeshore where visitors become lost.
The total cost of rescue operations at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in 2014 came to nearly $13,000, Chief Ranger Phil Akers said. That cost is paid by the National Park Service and has to be included as part of this northern lakeshore's operating budget. This is a concern, especially with the rising number of visitors to the lakeshore each year, Akers said.
The cost does not account for the time and efforts of other local agencies that regularly come in to help, such as area fire departments, he said.
Some rescues are much easier than others and therefore less costly, depending on how large of a response the situation demands.
Helicopters are only used when necessary. A person in distress along Lake Michigan below the dune climb is walked out along the beach, Lachowski said. In other locations that can't be reached by vehicle, a technical rescue is conducted using a rope system to carry the person in distress.
These efforts are not easy in the sandy, unstable, often steep terrain, Lachowski said. The safety of rescuers is taken into account, especially at night when it can be difficult to see.
"We have to weigh the risk versus the benefit," he said.