Home › South Dakota › Spearfish › Crow Peak Trailhead
Crow Peak Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 81 Google reviews · Running trail in Spearfish, South Dakota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Crow Peak Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Easy-to-follow 7-mile climb through forest to a mountain peak granting valley views.
What runners say about Crow Peak Trailhead
“Great views at the top of the entire valley, but it can get crowded as there is little room at the top and just a single track trail to the sign.”
“Good spot with partial shade at the top for lunch or hydration Plan on 2 hours if your in good shape 3 if you need to take breaks.”
“Trail head was easy to find and the trail is easy to follow all the way to the top.”
So, it's moderate until you get about .6 miles from the top, then it's hard... and rocky. On a 1-10 scale of being in shape, I'm about 7, so it definitely pushed me, but I loved it ( except for the rock trails). It's beautiful scenery
Fantastic hike near Spearfish. Consistent altitude gain on an easy to navigate trail. Very nice unobstructed views at the top. A satisfying climb. Start before noon to have some shade.
Fun! Crazy weather for late May! Sleet. Snow. Blue skies. Mud. Nice progression up to the peak with some steeper switchbacks near the top. A couple downed trees on the trail, but easy over.
A great hike if you're looking for something moderately strenuous, especially if you have an energetic dog. If you hike pretty quickly and are in good shape you will make it up in an hour and a half. The trail is mostly shaded so it doesn't get too hot and it does not have any difficult footing.
Trail conditions & character
“Great views at the top of the entire valley, but it can get crowded as there is little room at the top and just a single track trail to the sign.”
“Once you peak the mountain, you are rewarded with one of the best views in the entire Black Hills.”
“Good spot with partial shade at the top for lunch or hydration Plan on 2 hours if your in good shape 3 if you need to take breaks.”
“One section requires some scrambling over some rocks, but our group of five adults and two dogs had no issues.”
“Great views at the top of the entire valley, but it can get crowded as there is little room at the top and just a single track trail to the sign.”
“Lastly the trailhead itself doesn't have a relief shelter or even a dumpster, so what you bring you have to pack out.”
Plan your run at Crow Peak Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(605) 673-9200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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