Badlands National Park Secrets Unveiled

Overview

My XO Adventures believes The Badlands can be a wonderful experience for your senses, and there are a lot of stories to be told about the park. It's also abundant with wildlife, but you've got to know where to go.

We have walked, crawled, climbed, and taken the back roads through the park to find places we know you'll love. This is not a strenuous journey and is suited for all ages. We encourage you to check out our Google Reviews for My XO Adventures online to see what kind of experience you'll enjoy by coming along with us.

We take care of the details and may even have some surprises for you along the way. Every day is different, and we love what we do. We explore the Badlands, not just tour them. Learn about the history, wildlife, fossils, geological shapes, and sacred places. Commonly missed and extraordinary places are where we go. We do what we want, when we want, where we want!

City: Rapid City

Mon 12 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $389.00

Make a reservation

Mon 12 May

Starting at $389.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Private transportation

Binoculars

Soda/Pop

Bottled water

Snacks

Air-conditioned vehicle

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests must be able to transfer in and out of the vehicle under their own power.

What To Expect

Scenic

A stop at the old Ghost Town of Scenic before visiting Sheep Mountain Table. Spend some time in the old jail or peek in the windows of yesterday.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland

The Grasslands are not only beautiful, but full of beautiful stones that tumbled down from the Black Hills. We'll stop to see the agate fields and take some home. It's ok, this location is rock hound friendly and legal to search for and take a stone or two.

Badlands National Park

Enjoy your wildly tantalizing and educational experience while you're taken through one of the most unique National Parks in the US! A massive area of constant change, they named it the Badlands for a good reason. Not to worry, as our ride takes us safely through this otherworldly land, stopping along the way to see beautiful formations, wildlife, mineral deposits, and open sky. You'll love your time, and learn what most miss on this magical tour. We drive the Badlands Loop, including the visitors center with stops all along the way.

Ben Reifel Visitor Center

A stop at the Visitors Center gives you time to take a break, ask questions from the park staff and pick up a souvenir.

Homestead Overlook

From this elevated viewpoint, behold the undulating terrain of the Badlands, where eroded buttes and deep canyons tell stories of perseverance and determination. Imagine the homesteaders who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, staked their claims and built lives amidst the harsh climate and stark beauty of this unique region. At My XO Adventures, we invite you to step into the footsteps of these pioneers, to witness the legacy they left behind in the form of weathered cabins, abandoned homesteads, and the remnants of hard-won agricultural efforts. Feel the echoes of history as you gaze out over the same expansive horizon that once inspired dreams of a new life in the American West.

Ancient Hunters Overlook

From this elevated perch, soak in the panoramic views of the Badlands, where eroded cliffs and deep gullies reveal layers of sedimentary rock formed over millions of years. Imagine the sight of early inhabitants, the Paleo-Indians, who hunted mammoths and other prehistoric creatures in these very valleys and plains. At My XO Adventures, we bring this ancient history to life, offering you more than just a view — an immersive journey into the past. Feel the whispers of the wind as it carries tales of nomadic tribes and early explorers who traversed these rugged terrains in search of sustenance and shelter. Stand where ancient hunters once stood and marvel at the resilience of nature and the enduring legacy of those who came before us. Below, the landscape unfolds in a mosaic of colors and textures, home to a diverse array of wildlife and plant species that have adapted to thrive in this harsh yet beautiful environment.

Pinnacles Overlook

Perched high above the labyrinthine canyons and spires that define this iconic landscape, Pinnacles Overlook offers a panoramic spectacle that will leave you in awe. From this vantage point, marvel at the towering formations sculpted over millions of years by the forces of wind and water. The Badlands reveal their rugged beauty in layers of striped sedimentary rock, painted in hues of red, yellow, and white, each layer a testament to the passage of time and the artistry of nature. At My XO Adventures, we invite you to witness the drama of geological history unfolding before your eyes. Feel the ancient energy of the Earth as you stand amidst these towering pinnacles, their shapes and shadows shifting with the movement of the sun. Below, the landscape stretches out in a patchwork of prairie and rock, where bison roam and prairie dogs play.

Sage Creek Wilderness Area

Welcome to Sage Creek Basin Overlook, where the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park unfolds before your eyes like a masterpiece of nature's own creation. As you stand at this breathtaking vantage point, perched on the edge of the world, prepare to be captivated by the sheer drama and timeless allure of the American West. Gaze out over a landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see, where jagged rock formations painted in hues of pink, orange, and ivory rise from the earth like ancient sentinels. Below, the rugged terrain gives way to rolling prairies and the winding course of the meandering Sage Creek. At My XO Adventures, we bring you to the heart of this natural wonder, offering you not just a glimpse, but an immersive experience. Feel the wind whispering through the grasslands, listen to the calls of native wildlife echoing across the basin, and witness the ever-changing play of light and shadow as the sun traverses the vast South Dakota sky.

Wall Drug

One of the greatest success stories you'll ever hear. Wall Drug is known around the world for its free water and unmistakable billboards. This roadside curiosity has been around for almost 100 years, and its still going strong. Let's enjoy lunch and peruse what started as a modest drug store in a dirt poor town into a mammoth operation today.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (28)

Dianne O

Feb 2025

Daniel and his team are experts in the area. He brings in unique information that makes you want to know and see more. We spent 4 exceptional days going to the major sights and parks with My XO adventures. We would do it again. The planning included unique stops, excellent food, perfect picture moments, and flexibility to tailor the day to fit our specific needs. They know how to avoid the crowds and recommend “hidden” jewels a majority of visitors would never see. We highly recommend this tour company.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing My XO Adventures for your Black Hills and Badlands journey! It was a pleasure sharing this incredible region with you. Just yesterday, I found some new backroads for 2025! We'd love to have you back for another adventure whenever you're ready. Safe travels, and we'll see you down the road!

Rodney H

Jul 2024

We have been on several tours while traveling out West and I guess I thought the Badlands would be boring. Was I ever wrong! Kelly, our guide, was absolutely the best. We learned so much and it made us want to learn more when we returned home. Also, she was very understanding of my husband's speed, etc and helped us get him in and out at all stops. We had already booked a tour for the next day with another company and it was too late cancel or we would have 100% changed to XO. The Hanson's

Response from Host

Jul 2024

When you have a guide like Kelli who is so passionate about so many subjects, it makes for a remarkable tour. We thank you so much for leaving a review, and we thank you for your trust. Please tell you friends and those thinking about coming out our way!! Safe Travels.....

BritinVA

Jun 2024

Fantastic National Park with great scenery. Wonderful overlooks and trails. Magnificent. in every respect. Amazing park, can't miss.

Response from Host

Jun 2024

The Badlands Golden Hour, Sunset and Night Sky is a truly amazing experience. It's underrated and under-visited, which, in our book, makes it a fantastic place to go. We're so happy you loved your experience and hope to see you down the road.....