Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views

Rapid City , United States

Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views

Active

(45 reviews)

6h - 7h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Badlands Sunset and Night Sky Adventure

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Blankets

Bottled water

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

Snacks

Binoculars

Constellation Locator Software

Detailed itinerary

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bigfoot Pass Overlook is named after Chief Bigfoot, who led his tribe while being chased by the U.S. Army through the Badlands until they reached the sight of Wounded Knee, where men, women, and children were massacred. Chief Bigfoot was known for his diplomatic skills, but sadly, that didn't save him and his tribe from genocide at the hands of the U.S. Government and Col. James Forsyth.

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!

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

36 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Rapid City

Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota, known as the gateway to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The city offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, historical sites, and cultural attractions, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Black Hills.

Top Attractions

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

A massive granite sculpture featuring the 60-foot heads of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (parking fee applies)

Badlands National Park

A stunning landscape of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

Nature Full day Free (parking fee applies)

Crazy Horse Memorial

A massive mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. The memorial includes a museum and cultural center.

Historical 2-3 hours $12 per adult, $6 per child (ages 6-12), free for children under 6

Reptile Gardens

A family-friendly attraction featuring a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The park also offers live animal shows and a petting zoo.

Nature 1-2 hours $18 per adult, $10 per child (ages 4-12), free for children under 4

Must-Try Local Dishes

Chislic

Cubed, deep-fried meat, typically made from lamb or venison, seasoned with garlic salt. A South Dakota specialty.

Appetizer/Snack Not vegetarian/vegan

Bison Burger

A burger made from bison meat, often served with local toppings and sides.

Main Course Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian options available

Kuchen

A German-inspired dessert, similar to a coffee cake, often made with fruit and topped with a crumbly streusel.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Mountain biking Spa treatments Scenic drives Picnicking Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and all attractions open. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rapid City is generally safe with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

Getting there

By air

Rapid City Regional Airport • 10 miles from city center

By bus

Jefferson Lines

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient bus service covering major areas of Rapid City. Fares are reasonable, and schedules are available online.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Rapid City West Blvd Black Hills

Day trips

Deadwood

35 miles • Half day to full day

A historic gold rush town with a rich Wild West heritage. Deadwood offers a variety of historical sites, casinos, and entertainment options.

Custer State Park

30 miles • Full day

A beautiful state park with scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a large herd of bison and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Wind Cave National Park

45 miles • Full day

A unique national park known for its extensive cave system and surface features. The park offers cave tours, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Festivals

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally • August Days of '76 Rodeo • July

Pro tips

Visit Mount Rushmore early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Check for special events and festivals before planning your trip.
Explore the Black Hills National Forest for stunning scenic drives and hiking trails.
Try local specialties like chislic and bison dishes.
Use the Rapid Ride bus service for convenient and affordable transportation around the city.