Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch worth booking?
Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch is a 7-hour experience in Rapid City, United States, from $499 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (30)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $499 per person
Duration: 6–8 hours (Full Day)Start/End: Rapid City or Interior, SDActivity Level: Easy to ModerateGroup Size: Maximum 6 guests per JeepInclusions: Guided 4x4 transport, park park entry fees, bottled water, and a complet
What you get
About this experience
Duration: 6–8 hours (Full Day)Start/End: Rapid City or Interior, SDActivity Level: Easy to ModerateGroup Size: Maximum 6 guests per JeepInclusions: Guided 4x4 transport, park park entry fees, bottled water, and a complete picnic lunch
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 6 guests per Jeep. Larger group tours available.
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Alcoholic beverages
Not included
- Gratuities Not Included
What you'll see and do
Sheep Mountain Table Road
Sheep Mtn Table is off the beaten path - not many people get out to explore this area like some other areas in the National Park. It is located next to the famous Stronghold Table (Ghost Dance). It is found in a unique and isolated location, wedged between the North and South Units. Lots of Lakota and Homesteading history . . . and it has great views of the Badlands and distant Black Hills. The road when dry is safe. However, Sheep Mtn Table may not be included if road is wet. *"Sheep Mountain Table Road is a dirt road that should not be driven during or after storms. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, even in dry conditions." - National Park Service
40 minutes here · Admission included
Scenic
Once upon a time upcoming railroad stop - hotels, banks and bars . . . now an empty ghost town.
10 minutes here
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
This is the main facility in the North Unit of the park. You can talk with rangers, explore museum exhibits, check out the Fossil Preparation Lab and there is time to visit the Badlands Natural History Association bookstore.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Fossil Exhibit Trail
The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a fully accessible boardwalk featuring fossil replicas and exhibits of extinct creatures that once lived in the area. Just .25 miles long the trail takes you past 75 million years of history and the animals that once inhabited this land.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Yellow Mounds Overlook
These strangely colored mounds are the result of an ancient sea draining away and the chemicals from decaying plants turning the soil yellow. They make for a great photo opportunity.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Pinnacles Overlook
This is the highest overlook on the Badlands Loop Road, and it offers some of the most panoramic views. This view displays the expanse of the Sage Creek Wilderness area from which you just came. On clear days, the Black Hills are visible on the horizon. Bison might be visible in the distance. This overlook is also a popular spot for Bighorn sheep to gather. This is also a lambing area for Bighorn sheep in late April to early May, so it’s not unusual to see lambs traversing the rocky slopes of the Badlands.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Roberts Prairie Dog Town
First we stop at the Sage Creek Overlook, looking back at the path we have just traveled . . . many think this is the best of all the Park views. We then stop to view the largest prairie-dog town in the accessible areas of Badlands National Park. Other than the mounds of dirt where the prairie dogs have made their homes, the first thing you will likely notice is the high-pitched squeaks and noises coming from the Prairie dogs. Prairie dogs provide habitat for approximately 200 animal and plant species, so keep your eyes open for other wildlife at this pulloff.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Sage Creek Wilderness Area
This is a less traveled area of Badlands National Park with unusual scenery and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, bison, black-footed ferrets and prairie dogs. This area is one of the oldest in the Park and most of the badlands formations have eroded away, and the underlying Cretaceous sediments are more suitable for soil development for the grasslands. Because of this and the Sage Creek running through it, you will find wildlife. Bison, sheep, antelope, deer and more (this is the water hole). The roads are less developed but no problem for our Jeep Gladiators.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rapid City
Meet in the parking lot.
Meeting point
Rapid City
Meet in the parking lot.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Meet in the parking lot.
Ends at
Meet in the parking lot.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Black Hills Open-Top-Tours
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 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Nicole was a fantastic...
Nicole was a fantastic guide and storyteller. It was a scorching hot day, so the company adjusted our tour time to earlier so we wouldn’t be out during the hottest part of the day, which we appreciated. Nicole was friendly and went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. We learned a lot about the Badlands and the beautiful state of South Dakota. We highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Hi Stanley - Thank you very much for your very kind review. I will make sure Nicole is made aware. I'm glad you enjoyed your tour on a challenging day, the weather has been cold to hot to cold all season. Thanks again and Be Well - Rich
via Viator
Jeepin’ thru the Badlands
We loved the jeep tour to the Badlands. It was a little cool so we couldn’t ride in the back, but that didn’t stop us from having fun. Charlie, our tour guide made sure we saw everything and even gave time for us to explore on our own. I would highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Howdy Holly - Sorry the weather didn't cooperate on your tour day. Our Gladiator Jeeps work well for any weather, they offer four door front seats with AC/heat with convertible tops and also have rear seating for nice weather and a more open adventure. I'm glad you enjoyed your day with Charlie. Thank you for your kind review. Be Well - Rich
via Viator
Badlands Spectacular!
This trip is a must for outdoor lovers. You can do as little or as much as you want. Phil our tour guide was amazing. His knowledge and expertise of the Badlands was incredible. It was a 5 star day for sure. The views are spectacular. I recommend this tour as a must do!! The owner Rich of the company Was most helpful in deciding what tours you should book. Open top Black Hills Tours. Is the go to company!!
Response from the operator: Howdy Joe - Thank you for your kind review. I'm glad you enjoyed your Jeep tour with Phil. We have been fortunate to have Phil on our team this year. He was formally a Park Ranger at the Badlands and has an abundance of knowledge of the region. The Jeep Backcountry tour offers unique views and info about both the North and South Units as well as chances to find fossils. Be Well - Rich
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Must See
Absolutely amazing, stunning, jaw-dropping fun exciting day. We are exhausted in a good way. We saw so much and learned even more. Our guide Phil was extremely knowledgeable and we cannot say enough about him. He is a treasure!
Response from the operator: Hello Jessica - The Badlands are great to visit and touring in a Jeep is the best. Thanks for taking time to review your tour. Phil was formally a Park Ranger at Badlands Park and knows so much about it. I'm happy you enjoyed your tour. Be Well - Rich
via Tripadvisor
Great anniversary trip
We had the best time, Doug was an outstanding guide, professional, knowledgeable, and extremely patient. This is a quality company made up of quality people.
Response from the operator: Howdy Michael - Thank you for your very kind review. I'm glad you enjoyed you tour with Doug. He knows the southern Hills very well and is great to work with. I hope you have a chance to return and see more of the Hills. Be Well - Rich
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $499 to $899
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rapid City.
How much does Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $499 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 Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rapid City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch?
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Around 11 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private - Badlands Rugged Jeep Backcountry Tour with Lunch 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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