Reviewed by: Team Fubar Rider ,  Cross Country Rider , from Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Summary:
I lived in Spearfish SD, for 26+ years and moved to Colorado Springs in 1998. I have ridden trails all over Colorado and in 10 other states and Crow Peak is in my personal top 3 trails of all time! As in the other reviews, the whole trail is not for beginners, but the nice thing about it is if you feel like turning around before the top, you can. This trail has it all; fast sections, technical sections, wide open sections, and tight, twisty sections. Even though I live in Colorado, I make it back a couple times per year and make it a point to ride Crow Peak. Do it, you'll be glad you did.

Recommended Route:
Start at the bottom parking lot off of Higgin's Gulch Road. Go through gate (shut behind you) and start the 3.5 mi. ascent to the summit. Beginners can ride to the fork in the trail that takes you to Beaver Ridge, turn around and ride back down from there. More experienced riders can continue on to the summit. If you continue on you will encounter a series of switchbacks that are lined with a bed of loose small slabs of shale. It is ridable, but you must keep your momentum up. At the summit enjoy the view of Spearfish to the East, the Black Hills to the South, Sundance Mtn. to the West and the rest of the sprawling plains to the North/Northeast. Return the way you came up. Watch for other trail users, but have a BLAST!

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Tinton Trail, Paha Sapa (Custer State Park) Centennial Trail.

Reviewed by: Paul Trusty , from Bismarck

Summary:
I love riding in the Black Hills and this is the best trail that I have ridden. I took a friend on this trail for his first time out with clipless pedals. He threw up half-way up the mountain and when we were done he still said it was the most fun he had had in a while. 3.5 miles of climing with tree roots, baby heads, and loose rock to add to the fun. After about 30 seconds of downhill it was all worth it.

Reviewed by: chris , from red wing mn

Summary:
This is a wonderful trail for the accomplished mountain biker. The first 3.5 miles is nothing but technical climbing with the end portion adding in rock strewn boulder fields and tight switchbacks. Anyone who can completely clean this route has props from me. Be forwarned that most hikers are not expecting mountain bikers on this path. Not one for a first timer.

Recommended Route:
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