Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 51 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views worth booking?
Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views is a 6-hour experience in Rapid City, United States, from $665 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 51 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (51)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $665 per person
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 Badla
What you get
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.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Zero-Gravity Folding Chairs for Star Viewing. These chairs fully recline enhancing the experience and comfort.
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Blankets
- Binoculars
- Constellation Locator Software
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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.
60 minutes here · Admission 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.
30 minutes here · Admission 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.
60 minutes here · Admission 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.
90 minutes here · Admission included
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.
60 minutes here · Admission 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!
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- My XO Adventures
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 49 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
49 verified traveler reviews for Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Exceptional
It was indeed great Had in-depth knowledge of the area & weather Different lifetime experiences We started early by one hour as the weather was going to be bad
Response from the operator: Thanks so much Ravindra! We had a great time with you and the family, and appreciate your trust in choosing My XO Adventures for your experience in the Badlands. We hope to see you again on another adventure. Safe Travels!
via Viator
Amazing Night Tour Experience
Incredible tour to see the Badlands in a unique way. We were picked up by our guide Logan who know a ton about the park and the wildlife and gave us information that we would never have if we just went through the park ourselves. Staying at night is a whole new experience, watching the sky darken, the stars come out, just how quiet and peaceful the setting is makes it truly amazing. Would highly recommend this tour for anyone hitting the Badlands
Response from the operator: There is something pretty special about watching the Badlands change after dark, and I’m so glad you got to experience that side of the park with Logan. Thank you for taking the time to share this. Logan does a wonderful job helping guests notice the wildlife, landscape, quiet, and night sky in a way that is hard to fully appreciate when simply driving through on your own. The Badlands are incredible during the day, but once the sky darkens and the stars begin to appear, it really does become a completely different experience. We’re grateful you chose My XO Adventures and truly appreciate the recommendation. Safe travels!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome and exciting
The guide Daniel was absolutely wonderful, awesome, he told us the history of badlands and we saw the wildlife there, he let us take pictures and he took his time, we were not rushed. Made us feel very welcomed and answered all our questions, if I ever come back again I would certainly look Daniel up. It was outstanding
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this wonderful review! I really appreciate your kind words and am so glad you had an outstanding time in the Badlands. One of the best parts of guiding is getting to slow down, take our time, watch for wildlife, answer questions, and let the day unfold without feeling rushed. The Badlands have so much history, beauty, and life tucked into that landscape, and it was a pleasure to share some of that with you. Thank you again for choosing My XO Adventures. If you ever make it back this way, I would be honored to show you more of this incredible place. See you down the road!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Badlands!
This was an excellent experience with a phenomenal tour guide! Mother Nature tried her best to put a damper on our tour with a wicked storm but Daniel outsmarted Mother Nature! By doing so, we watched the storm from a distance —it was like a theatric performance in the sky! Amazing! Thank you Daniel!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this wonderful review! Mother Nature definitely kept us on our toes that day, but I’m so glad we were able to adjust and turn the storm into part of the experience. Watching it roll across the sky from a safe distance really was unforgettable. It was a pleasure sharing the tour with you, and I’m grateful you chose My XO Adventures! - Remember, with rain comes rainbows!
via Viator
The Badlands at night, late in the season
Even though it was late in the season and the weather was threatening, our guide Daniel knew exactly how to manage everything to make it magical.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! Even late in the season, when South Dakota weather keeps me on my toes, I always do my best to make every experience memorable. Guiding guests through the Black Hills and Badlands is something I truly love, and I’m so happy you felt the magic of this place. Every tour is an adventure, and it means a lot that you trusted me to show you the beauty, history, and spirit of South Dakota. I hope we’ll get to explore together again on another adventure tour soon!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rapid City.
How much does Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views cost?
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Prices start at $665 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rapid City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rapid City is not rushed.
Is Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 51 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Rapid City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views?
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Around 18 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rapid City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rapid City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rapid City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rapid City?
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Rapid City is the base for Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse tours, Badlands National Park loops, Custer State Park wildlife drives and Black Hills cave visits. On Outty we rank every Rapid City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show, Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, PREMIER PRIVATE Tour: Mt Rushmore, CrazyHorse & Custer State Park. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rapid City?
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May to September, with Sturgis crowding early August. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rapid City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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