Badlands National Park Secrets Unveiled in Rapid City booking from $389.00

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

Tue 13 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $389.00

Make a reservation

Tue 13 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)

Katylosi

Jun 2024

Our first day in South Dakota we took the Badlands Tour with Daniel. It did not disappoint. Daniel was super accommodating and worked around our request to do the missel control room experience. Daniel took us everywhere we never imagined existed. His knowledge of all aspects of the Badlands was incredible. The Badlands tour was a perfect way to experience the best of South Dakota. Daniel's unparalled knowledge of the back roads, the animals, flowers and Lakota people made us want to learn even more. Daniel helped us love the Badlands and we wish to return. We actually booked 2 tours with MyXO Adventures and would do it again in a heartbeat. My XO Adventure is the tour company I highly recommend.

Response from Host

Jun 2024

Thank you Kindly for the great review! The Badlands is my favorite place to be and ut's a place to be seen from all angles, at multiple times of day and night! I sincerely appreciate your business and hope you decide to return someday. Safe Travels!

Phillipsc1

Sep 2023

The driver never showed. No phone call ,no email, no text. Flew in from 3 different states for a family event. Do not use this company, unreliable! Hopefully we’ll get out money back.

Response from Host

Jun 2024

For the readers, this is a false review, unfortunately. Viator is quite possibly the worst company when it comes to false reviews. If you would like to investigate a company further, try Google Reviews. This has been flagged as a false review, but Viator always sides with the consumer. In this case that wasn't the right decision. Ms. Phillips booked a trip months in advance, received a confirmation with the exact dates, and was followed up with a phone call to reconfirm, which she did. Ms. Chieko had booked the wrong dates. She did not want to take responsibility for the issue. She did call wondering where we were (from a new phone number,) and of course, she was not on the schedule for the day because she booked the wrong dates. Our reservation system sends out FOUR automatic emails from the time booked up until 24 hours before the tour. The statement of "no email" is simply not true. The comment about "no phone call" is valid. She provided her work number, so we could not reach her even if she had booked the correct dates. The comment "No Text" is also valid because she provided a landline as a contact point. On the date Ms. Phillips called, asking where the guide was, we attempted to provide a solution before investigating the problem. We immediately provided a solution for her, but she would not let us speak. We could have corrected her mistake, but she rented a car instead. Once again, we offered to take her entire family at no cost to the Mount Rushmore Illumination Ceremony, which she expressed was important, but again, she would have nothing of it. As a gesture of kindness, we offered to take her on an additional Black Hills tour the next day, free of charge. This was for six guests, mind you. We had no obligation to provide a free tour but cared about fixing an error, no matter who was to blame. She never replied. Her money was refunded the instant she requested it. In a rare response to a message or call, Chieko replied and thanked us for being so quick to her request to refund her money. This was because she knew it was her mistake, and we were flexible with accommodating, rescheduling, and refunding her money. When Chieko initially made the reservation for her family, it was done from her workplace. She expressed how busy she was and could only talk for a few moments, if at all. This was typical of the communication she allowed. I would describe the communications as short, rushed, disorganized, and seemingly unimportant. The phone number she provided on the reservation was a landline. In our booking process, we always ask for a cell phone number. She did not provide that. On the phone call the day she thought there was a tour, the encounter was exceptionally rude and accusatory. Ms. Chieko was unable to acknowledge her own emails sent to us confirming the dates she booked. Ironically, this was the most extended conversation we had with her up to this point. It lasted approximately 45 seconds. Before this, the conversations were under 30 seconds, if that. She never had time, did not put the attention needed into the special event planned for her family, and did nothing but point the finger at us. I was present for every conversation if you want to call it that. Ms. Phillips also provided our office's phone number so other family members could call to regurgitate the fabricated story she told them. They did just that. I canceled Ms. Chieko's second tour booked with us because of her terrible demeanor and utter disrespect. There is no way I would endure a tour with a guest like this or expect any of my guides to deal with the same thing. I am glad to have made this decision. It would have been a nightmare. This review reflects her mistake, is a clear representation of her character, and is an embarrassment to her family for her mistake without any ownership of responsibility. I put this back on the lap of you, Ms Phillips. We always work extremely hard at My XO Adventures to satisfy our guests. Their happiness means the world to us. This is why we attempted to fix the problem for her to make the time in South Dakota with the family a great experience. We were prevented from doing even that. Occasionally, we make mistakes. When this happens, we are the first to admit them. In this case, it was not an error on our side. It was her own fault. This review is entirely untrue and a genuinely shameful act on Ms Phillip's part to tarnish an otherwise stellar reputation. No, Ms. Phillips, this is not what happened. Shame on you for leaving a false review in an attempt to cause damage to our family at our expense for your mistake. We have never experienced this kind of absurdity with a guest until now. We know who we are, what we offer, and how we conduct business. Now we know the same of you. To top it all off, this isn't even the tour Ms Phillips booked. She has left the review on an entirely different offering. In the end, Ms Chieko Phillips was fired by me (Daniel). We will never accept this behavior from any person at any time.

420sherriv

Sep 2023

Beautiful views everywhere. I would say they need to clean restrooms more often. The entire parking smelled

Response from Host

Sep 2023

Hi there, I'm glad you enjoyed the tour and the beauty of the Badlands. It's one of our favorite places to spend the day. While in the park along the Badlands Loop Road, there are only vault toilets, which Badlands National Park cleans. Due to underfunding, staffing can be an issue and the cleaning of the restrooms may suffer. Of course, this is something out of our control, and we mention to every guest which restrooms are the best and which ones to avoid due to overuse. We wish you safe travels and thank you for choosing My XO Adventures!

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Badlands National Park Secrets Unveiled

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