Crow Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Crow Peak

Crow Peak viewed from the summit of Cement Ridge Lookout in Wyoming

Crow Peak dominates the western skyline of Spearfish, South Dakota. Like Crow Butte 150 miles south in Nebraska, it was named for the Crow tribe, which lost a battle to the Sioux tribe at that location. The Crow Peak Trail, #64, is approximately 3 1/2 miles long, begins at an altitude of 4,200 feet and ascends to the summit at 5,760 feet. From the summit, hikers are treated to views of the South Dakota Black Hills, the Bearlodge Mountains in Wyoming, and the plains of southeast Montana. Peaks distinctly visible include Terry Peak, Spearfish Mountain, Citadel Peak, Crook Mountain, and Bear Butte. About 2/3 of the way to the summit, there is a branch in the trail. The Beaver Ridge Spur Trail is about 1/2 mile long, and treats hikers to some views to the west. The trail is well-marked with posts and blazes. During summer months, one normally encounters at least several other hikers along the trail. But, heavy traffic on the trail is not normal. Hiking is moderately strenuous.

Update: Forest fires in 2012 hit Crow Peak severely. Please check on any forest service restrictions, before you plan an ascent of Crow Peak. Their office in Custer can be reached at: (605) 673-9200.

Getting There

To get to Crow Peak, hikers should take Higgins Gulch Road, road 214, southwest of Spearfish. About 7 miles from Spearfish, there is a small parking area along the west side. Not visible from the road, is the trailhead sign, which is just 20-30 yards from the parking lot.

Red Tape

Crow Peak Summit

There are no fees or permits needed. It is all on public land, so landowner permission is not an issue. For any new national forest restrictions, call: Northern Hills Ranger District, Spearfish, South Dakota, (605) 642-4622.

Area Camping

Camping is available in nearby Spearfish. The Spearfish Chamber of Commerce has the latest in camping information available, and can be reached at (605) 642-2626.

Camping, Lodging, and other Resource Links

The Chamber of Commerce in nearby Spearfish can provides up-to-date information on camping, lodging, supplies, and dining in the Spearfish area:

Spearfish Chamber of Commerce

Black Hills National Forest information

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