Campo Santo Stefano | Murano Island

Information

Landmark: Campo Santo Stefano
City: Murano Island
Country: Italy
Continent: Europe

Campo Santo Stefano, Murano Island, Italy, Europe

Crow Peak Trail is a hiking trail located in the Black Hills National Forest near Spearfish, South Dakota.

Visual Characteristics

The trail ascends a prominent geological formation characterized by exposed sedimentary rock layers. Vegetation consists primarily of ponderosa pine, juniper, and various underbrush species. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills landscape.

Location & Access Logistics

The trailhead is situated approximately 10 kilometers south of Spearfish, South Dakota, accessible via Forest Service Road 214 (also known as Crow Peak Road). The road is unpaved but generally well-maintained for passenger vehicles. Parking is available at a designated lot at the trailhead. No public transport services reach this location.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Crow Peak is a monadnock, a remnant of an ancient plateau that has been eroded over millions of years. The sedimentary rocks date back to the Paleozoic Era. The area is part of the Black Hills uplift, a complex geological region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking the Crow Peak Trail is the primary activity. The trail is approximately 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) one-way to the summit. The ascent involves significant elevation gain. Rock scrambling is required for the final approach to the summit cairn.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The trailhead has a small parking area. There are no restrooms, water sources, or designated shade structures along the trail. Cell phone signal is intermittent to non-existent for most of the route.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for hiking is from late spring (May) through early fall (October). Mornings offer cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography. Avoid hiking during periods of heavy rain or snow, as the trail can become slick and hazardous.

Facts & Legends

Local Lakota legend suggests the peak was named after a crow that warned the tribe of an approaching enemy. Geologically, the summit rock formation resembles a crow's beak.