Crows Nest Peak summit view

Crows Nest Peak

7,044 ft | 1 trails | South Dakota

Elevation

7,044 ft

Trails

1 routes

Difficulty

Hard

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About Crows Nest Peak

Crows Nest Peak is a 7,044-foot summit in South Dakota. The Crows Nest Peak Trail is a 11.5-mile hike with about 607 feet of elevation gain. Nearby peaks include Nipple Butte, Flag Mountain and Crooks Tower. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL); verify current conditions with the official land manager before you go.

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Check Current Conditions

Trail conditions change frequently. Check the official land manager's site (linked under Data Sources on this page) and the NWS forecast before your hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike Crows Nest Peak?

Hiking time varies by trail and fitness level. Most popular routes take 4-8 hours round trip. Check individual trail descriptions for specific estimates.

Is Crows Nest Peak hard to hike?

Difficulty varies by route. There are options ranging from moderate to strenuous. Beginners should start with easier trails and work up to more challenging routes.

Do I need a permit to hike Crows Nest Peak?

Most trails don't require permits for day hiking. Some trailheads may require a parking pass or fee. Check current regulations before your visit.

Safety Information

Current Hazards

  • Afternoon thunderstorms
  • Dehydration risk
  • UV exposure above treeline

Turn-Around Time

1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)

Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.

Essential Gear Checklist

* Critical items - do not hike without these

Emergency Contacts

Emergency

911

NH Fish & Game

603-536-6100

Mt Washington Weather

603-356-2137

Downloads

GPX works with Gaia GPS, AllTrails, Garmin, and more.

Nearby Peaks

Explore other mountains near Crows Nest Peak. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.

Peak Bagging Tip

Nipple Butte is only 6.5 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!