Badlands Sunset and Night Sky Adventure

Overview

This is our favorite tour! We care about you, your experience, and your time in South Dakota.

You'll be taken to special locations where animals congregate during the setting sun. As you enjoy the wildlife of the Badlands, we'll take care of any photos you wish. The "Blue Hour" begins after sunset and continues for an hour, highlighting the wild formations with the bright blue and orange sky.

Next, we'll take you to the night viewing area in the park at a location only My XO Adventures knows. We'll see planets, shooting stars, and the Milky Way Galaxy.

Our highly skilled guide will capture night photos and share them at the end of the tour, ensuring you have great memories of your experience.

City: Rapid City

Sun 22 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $359.00

Make a reservation

Sun 22 Jun

Starting at $359.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Binoculars

Private transportation

Zero-Gravity Folding Chairs for Star Viewing. These chairs fully recline enhancing the experience and comfort.

Blankets

Bottled water

Snacks

Constellation Locator Software

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Sage Creek Wilderness Area

We know the best way to view the park during sunset. We'll take you through the Sage Creek Wilderness area to see all types of formations, with the sunset at our backs. This makes the photography of wildlife, shapes, and shadows amazing. It's our favorite tour area, and you'll understand why.

Hay Butte Overlook

One of the most impressive views of the Badlands and often missed. We'll be sure to stop here for photos, and maybe even set up for a viewing of the sunset.

Badlands Wall

We'll set up for the beautiful night sky at a location only My XO Adventures knows. Our tour includes blankets, comfortable mats, and pillows to see as much of the sky as possible. Laying on the cozy mats, we'll see planets, shooting stars, and the Milky Way Galaxy. Our guide will take night photos and share them with you at the end of the tour. We can even show you how to take them using your phone. Red light flashlights are provided to prevent any white light from interfering with your night vision! We also provide a chart of the night sky showing the constellations and satellites that zoom overhead. Truly a unique experience for adults and kids. Badlands National Park offers clarity that few people in the United States enjoy. Over 7,500 stars are visible on any given night.

Pinnacles Overlook

We’ll enter Badlands National Park at the magic time just before sunset. Folding chairs will be brought out at the perfect location for viewing. After, we’ll head to the Amphitheater for night sky viewing with telescope and watch the stars light up the sky.

Big Badlands Overlook

Just moments away from our secluded location for night sky viewing. Soon, our comfortable viewing area will be set up, eyes will be wide open and the show begins!

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (33)

Voyage15314111711

Feb 2025

Last April/May we decided to travel to Rapid City, SD, to see the natural wonders of the area and called XO Private Tour Company to receive some information. It was the beginning of the most wonderful experience of my life. From the moment I spoke to Daniel's (owner) Mother, who works in the office, I knew this company was something special and decided to go with them. The two of us were picked up at our hotel door the mornings of our three private tours by our own Tour guide (either an employee or Daniel), who was totally attenive to only us. We traveled in an immaculate and comfortable SUV. We traveled to Custer National Park with a female guide who knew everything about the formation of the land, the history and animals. She was friendly, personble, and had answers to all of our questions, which were welcomed. The day flew by and made us only look forward to our coming tours and hope they were as wonderful as our first experience. Our next two tours were with Daniel and Dan! We traveled to the Badlands at Sunset, seeing the bison, etc., roaming freely, and shadows of light on the rocks as the sun was setting. We were pampered in the quiet solitude of the Badlands with warm blankets on zero gravity recliners while we gazed at the magnificent nightime sky. On one of our tours they also took us on a walk by a crystal clear stream and pointed out every plant while explaining everything about the plants. Dan even had a a cane for me because of my bad knee. Lol, I dropped the cane and let's just say he retrieved it for me. We also went to Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse monument, a rebuilt old Western town, Sanford Labs, Devils Tower and a couple of lunches. Throughout every tour, they were full of knowledge and anecdotes. The time was our own. We were never rushed. They also took pictures of us, sent us pictures, stopped the vehicle and backed up when I missed a shot. They also gave us suggestions, according to our interests, as to what to do and where to eat in our spare time. It's been almost a year since our trip and I'm still excited about it. Lol, I could write a book about it. The extra penny was worth it and I strongly encourage everyone to use XO Tours. Thank you, Dan and friends, for a laid back, informative, fun and laughter, wonderful once in my lifetime experience!

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Wow! Your review absolutely made our day! It was such an honor to be part of your journey through the Black Hills and Badlands, and we couldn’t be happier to hear that the experience still brings you excitement nearly a year later. From the moment you called, we knew we had the pleasure of guiding someone truly special, and it was a joy sharing these incredible places with you. Your words capture exactly what we strive for—personalized, immersive experiences filled with history, nature, and those little extra touches that make a tour unforgettable. Whether it was stargazing under warm blankets, backing up for the perfect photo, or retrieving that famous cane (😂), every moment was a privilege to share with you. Thank you for trusting us with your adventure and for taking the time to share such a heartfelt review. If you ever decide to return, we’d love to explore even more with you. Wishing you all the best until our paths cross again!

RDH4U

Feb 2025

We had a wonderful trip with Daniel! It was so relaxing and yet informational. We were there during daylight and saw a super moon rise! A beautiful clear night in which we thoroughly enjoyed the quiet and stars. There wasn't any time limit under the stars and we lost track of time. It was the best and most memorable part of our vacation!

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! Experiencing the Badlands Sunset and Night Sky with you was truly special. Watching the supermoon rise over the rugged landscape and then settling into the peaceful night sky is one of those moments that just stays with you. I’m so glad you found the tour both relaxing and informative—that’s exactly what we aim for. The Badlands at night offer something completely unique: quiet, vast open skies, and a front-row seat to the stars with no rush, no crowds, just pure awe. Losing track of time under the stars is the best kind of experience, and I love that it became such a memorable part of your vacation! It was a pleasure sharing this moment with you, and I’d love to take you on another Badlands adventure in the future. Wishing you clear skies and more unforgettable travels ahead!

Jdbarch

Feb 2025

We had a fabulous trip with Dan! We toured the Badlands and Wall Drugs all day and the sunset tour at night. We saw so much that we would not have seen on our own! The van was very comfortable, and Dan went the extra mile to return one of our hats that had been left in the van!

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure showing you the Badlands at sunset and sharing some hidden gems along the way. The Badlands Golden Hour and Sunset Tour is all about timing, angle, approach, your guide, and great guests! I’m so glad you got to see parts you might have missed otherwise! And, of course, no hat gets left behind on my watch! Hope to see you again for another Badlands adventure!