Crow Peak has a great hiking trail. It is only a few miles from Spearfish, SD and the summit offers great views of the area. Bear Butte, Spearfish Mountain and Terry Peak can all be seen from the top.
Crow Peak is the English version of Paha Karitukateyapi. That means: the hill where the Crow were killed. The name is from a battle between the Sioux and Crow Indian in which the Sioux were victorious.
The trail is just over 3 miles long, plus a 1/2 mile spur to Beaver Ridge. Hikers, horseback riders and bicycles are allowed on the trail, no motorized vehicles. There is a elevation gain of about 1500 feet, so it is up hill all the way to the top and the Forest Service rates the trail as difficult. The views are worth it, but plan on this hike taking much of your day. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
How do you get to Crow Peak?
In Spearfish, head north on Main Street. Turn left on Hillsview. Hillsview will meet up with Forest Service Road 214, follow that to the trailhead (about 7 miles).
Here is a video put together by a local college student. It covers all you’ll need to know to hike Crow Peak.
Once you’ve made it to the summit and back, you may want to relax at the Crow Peak Brewing Company. Since you just hiked the peak it only seem natural to relax with a local beverage, try a Pile O’Dirt Porter or an 11th Hour IPA (name after 11th Hour Gulch in Spearfish Canyon)
More Hiking in the Spearfish Area
Lookout Mountain Park is 756 acres in Spearfish for hiking and biking. Or, just head into Spearfish Canyon and try something like the Rouglock Trail. There is no shortage of hiking when you are basically surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest.
Have you been up Crow Peak? What is your favorite part?
The Deadwood Trailhead of the Mickelson Trail is the north end of the trail, located at Mile Post 108.8. You’ll find it just off Sherman Street in Deadwood by the old CB&Q Engine House (red building in the photo above).
When leaving from Deadwood the trail begins to gain elevation. The trail is mostly uphill all the way to Dumont. The first trailhead you will come to will be the Kirk Trailhead, just 3.5 miles up the trail.
As you start to leave Deadwood you go past the Chubby Chipmunk, your last chance to load up on truffles for your journey. You then cross Highway 385 and the trail runs parallel to Kirk road until reaching the trailhead.
Use of the trail does require a Mickelson Trail Pass for all users over age 12. You can purchase the pass at the trailhead or online. The exception to this would be when you are using the trail within city limits.
Have you ridden this portion of the trail? Tell us about it……
Bear Butte is the first trail I hiked when I moved to the Black Hills in 1999. I love the view from the top, The Black Hills to the south and prairie to the north. This two mile trail rises about 1000 feet in elevation and has loose rock in many places making this slightly strenuous for some people. Interestingly enough, Bear Butte is actually a mountain. It was once liquid magma that made its way to the earth’s crust, the formation is call a laccolith.
Bear Butte is located in Bear Butte State Park and if you do not have an annual pass, you will have to buy a day pass. The Lakota called it Mato Paha or Bear Mountain and is a sacred place to the Native Americans. You will see many prayer cloths and tobacco ties along the trail, please be respectful and observe them, not disturb them.
This is a narrow trail and for that reason pets and horses are not allowed. There is a small herd of buffalo in the park, be cautious and do not approach the buffalo. The area is also home to rattlesnakes, watch where you walk and stay on the trail.
The summit is the Northern end of the 111-mile Centennial Trail. The trail was built in 1989 celebrating South Dakota’s 100th anniversary of statehood. Winding through the Black Hills ending in Wind Cave National Park near Hot Springs, SD.
How do you get to Bear Butte?
It is located 6 miles northwest of Sturgis, SD. Head east out of Sturgis on Highway 34, Then turn North on Highway 79. Bear Butte will be visible, just follow the signs.
and a good map such as 
. Both are very helpful for navigating the trails of the area.