Tour Capacity
4
Duration
6 Hours
Distance
125 Miles
Tour Overview
Before the day wakes and the crowds arrive, the Badlands whisper. The Badlands Sunrise tour invites you to experience the raw, untamed beauty of Badlands National Park as the first light spills across the ancient formations.
You’ll stand in silence as colors shift from cool violet to deep amber, and the land begins to stir with life. It’s more than sightseeing—it’s a moment of connection with one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.
Highlights
Badlands Sunrise Over the Buttes: Watch the sky ignite over Cathedral Gorge or Panorama Point, depending on the day’s conditions.
Wildlife in Motion: Early hours bring the best chance to see bighorn sheep, bison, and pronghorn as they graze in the morning calm.
Guided Insight: Learn from your local guide about the park’s geology, fossils, and the ancient forces that shaped this strange and beautiful land.
Quiet Moments: Enjoy stillness and reflection in a place where time feels suspended.
Badlands Sunrise Itinerary
Departure: We meet before dawn at your accommodations in Rapid City.
Journey into the Park: Our entry to the park depends on the time of year and the angle of the sun. Our departure time, entrance to the park, and overlook at the Badlands Sunrise will be customized to the day. We’ll go over the details with you well in advance.
Sunrise Experience: We’ll set up at the best Badlands Sunrise overlook and spend time capturing photos or simply soaking in the moment as the light transforms the landscape.
Exploration Stops: Visit several overlooks and hidden gems inside the park, with opportunities for short walks and photography. A stop at the visitors center is included as long as it’s open!
Return: You’ll be back in Rapid City by mid-morning—just in time for a hearty breakfast or to continue exploring the Badlands on your own.
Whats Included?
Expert guide
- Professional Photography
Private Transportation from Rapid City
Hot and cold beverages
Park entrance fees
What to Bring
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Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes
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Layers (mornings can be cool)
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Camera or smartphone
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A sense of wonder to experience the Badlands Sunrise
Reviews for My XO Adventures
2 tours and 1 to go with XO Adventures. Both guides, Daniel and Kelli, have been absolutely fantastic! Highlighted the attractions for Black Hills and Devil’s Tower/Spearfish Canyon, but also tailored to meet additional requests. Highly recommended for your personal tours!
Ashley arrived on time and proceeded to start our private tour of Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse. Her knowledge and professionalism were evident right from the start. It was apparent that Ashley has the utmost respect for the Lacota and Indian culture in general.
She answered all of our questions with patience and a warm smile. She recommended that we drive through Spearfish Canyon the next day and we were able to see beautiful mountain goats near Bridal Veil Falls.
Thanks again Ashley for an enjoyable, fun, and great start to our South Dakota vacation. You are an outstanding tour guide and credit to My XO Adventures.
Daniel picked us up at our place of stay and took us on a magical ride throughout the Black Hills and Badlands. Wonderful knowledge and history of the locations. I highly recommend the Badlands at the Golden hour. Aimee recommended that tour and WOW! Nothing I could write would do it justice. Daniel was the best. We came in the off season and it seemed we had the hills to ourselves. We saw so many things going the back roads with Daniel that we may never would have seen had we driven. The best tour we have ever taken.
Our Promise
We don’t just show you the sights—we connect you to the stories that make them unforgettable. With a focus on responsible tourism and respect for the land’s rich heritage, we ensure your journey is meaningful and memorable.
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