Crow Peak Trail (#64)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Panoramic views of Spearfish, the Great Plains, Sundance Mountain and the great expanse of the Northern and Wyoming Black Hills. A true summit with amazing sunrises and sunsets.

There are some precipitous drop-offs on the upper parts of the trail. This is a very popular trail with hikers and mountain bikers - share the trail. This trail is runnable in all season due to heavy use.

Can be busy and passing can be difficult.

From the large and sometimes crowded parking lot, go through the gate and follow the trail to the summit. There is a short .5 mile spur trail that heads left and southwest from the main trail that can be done in combination. It is named Beaver Ridge Trail. However, this spur trail ends randomly on old forest service road without and definitive marking.

The first half is a gentle climb through the forest. After reaching the sign for the Spur at the halfway point, the trail gets steep with switchbacks and the occasional short section of scree. The final push to the summit is rocky and technical.

Take in the views, turn around and cruise back to the trailhead.

Pine, aspen.

Crow Peak is a key landmark in the Northern Black Hills. The name "Crow Peak" is an English translation of the Sioux name for the peak, "Paha Karitukateyapi," which means "the hill where the Crows were killed." The name stems from a battle between Sioux and Crow Indians in which the Sioux were victorious.