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Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views

49 Reviews 4.90 out of 5 stars Based on 49 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
98% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Rapid City, USA
Book online or call us

from $425 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
The Milky Way Galaxy is visible without use of a telescope.
Special vantage points along the way will be shared along your adventure.
Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views Image 3
Wild west formations with orange and blue hues.
One of our vehicles parked by request of our guests to enjoy the view.
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 71 (50) days in advance.
6 to 7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation
  • Gratuities
See 4 moreSee 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We'll pick you up directly from your accommodations, whether it be an Airbnb, VRBO, or hotel. Please note**** Should the weather become cloudy and the star viewing portion a low probability, this tour will be converted to a Badlands Sunset and Golden Hour Tour. This means that you should be prepared to leave two hours earlier than the original pickup time. We will assess the weather the day prior, notify you ahead of time and reconfirm the pickup time the morning of the tour. Please be available and looking for our communication. A bright and shiny vehicle with the My XO Adventures Logo on the side will greet you for a fantastic evening!

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability.
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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.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

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.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

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.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Bigfoot Pass Overlook

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.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

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!
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-166604P22

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.90
49 reviews

Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 49 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
47
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 71 (50) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views?
A:
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Snacks.
  • Bottled water.
  • Private transportation.
  • Zero-Gravity Folding Chairs for Star Viewing. These chairs fully recline enhancing the experience and comfort.
  • Blankets.
  • Binoculars.
  • Constellation Locator Software.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 7. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation
  • Zero-Gravity Folding Chairs for Star Viewing. These chairs fully recline enhancing the experience and comfort.
  • Blankets
  • Binoculars
  • Constellation Locator Software
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

Activity name