Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered worth booking?
Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered is a 6-hour experience in Rapid City, United States, from $795 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 30 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (30)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $795 per person
My XO Adventures believes The Badlands can be a wonderful experience for your senses, and there are a lot of stories to be told about the park. It's also abundant with wildlife, but you've got to know where to go. We h
What you get
About this experience
My XO Adventures believes The Badlands can be a wonderful experience for your senses, and there are a lot of stories to be told about the park. It's also abundant with wildlife, but you've got to know where to go. We have walked, crawled, climbed, and taken the back roads through the park to find places we know you'll love. This is not a strenuous journey and is suited for all ages. We encourage you to check out our Google Reviews for My XO Adventures online to see what kind of experience you'll enjoy by coming along with us. We take care of the details and may even have some surprises for you along the way. Every day is different, and we love what we do. We explore the Badlands, not just tour them. Learn about the history, wildlife, fossils, geological shapes, and sacred places. Commonly missed and extraordinary places are where we go. We do what we want, when we want, where we want!
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Binoculars
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Scenic
A stop at the old Ghost Town of Scenic before visiting Sheep Mountain Table. Spend some time in the old jail or peek in the windows of yesterday.
15 minutes here
Buffalo Gap National Grassland
The Grasslands are not only beautiful, but full of beautiful stones that tumbled down from the Black Hills. We'll stop to see the agate fields and take some home. It's ok, this location is rock hound friendly and legal to search for and take a stone or two.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Badlands National Park
Enjoy your wildly tantalizing and educational experience while you're taken through one of the most unique National Parks in the US! A massive area of constant change, they named it the Badlands for a good reason. Not to worry, as our ride takes us safely through this otherworldly land, stopping along the way to see beautiful formations, wildlife, mineral deposits, and open sky. You'll love your time, and learn what most miss on this magical tour. We drive the Badlands Loop, including the visitors center with stops all along the way.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
A stop at the Visitors Center gives you time to take a break, ask questions from the park staff and pick up a souvenir.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Homestead Overlook
From this elevated viewpoint, behold the undulating terrain of the Badlands, where eroded buttes and deep canyons tell stories of perseverance and determination. Imagine the homesteaders who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, staked their claims and built lives amidst the harsh climate and stark beauty of this unique region. At My XO Adventures, we invite you to step into the footsteps of these pioneers, to witness the legacy they left behind in the form of weathered cabins, abandoned homesteads, and the remnants of hard-won agricultural efforts. Feel the echoes of history as you gaze out over the same expansive horizon that once inspired dreams of a new life in the American West.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Ancient Hunters Overlook
From this elevated perch, soak in the panoramic views of the Badlands, where eroded cliffs and deep gullies reveal layers of sedimentary rock formed over millions of years. Imagine the sight of early inhabitants, the Paleo-Indians, who hunted mammoths and other prehistoric creatures in these very valleys and plains. At My XO Adventures, we bring this ancient history to life, offering you more than just a view — an immersive journey into the past. Feel the whispers of the wind as it carries tales of nomadic tribes and early explorers who traversed these rugged terrains in search of sustenance and shelter. Stand where ancient hunters once stood and marvel at the resilience of nature and the enduring legacy of those who came before us. Below, the landscape unfolds in a mosaic of colors and textures, home to a diverse array of wildlife and plant species that have adapted to thrive in this harsh yet beautiful environment.
5 minutes here · Admission included
Pinnacles Overlook
Perched high above the labyrinthine canyons and spires that define this iconic landscape, Pinnacles Overlook offers a panoramic spectacle that will leave you in awe. From this vantage point, marvel at the towering formations sculpted over millions of years by the forces of wind and water. The Badlands reveal their rugged beauty in layers of striped sedimentary rock, painted in hues of red, yellow, and white, each layer a testament to the passage of time and the artistry of nature. At My XO Adventures, we invite you to witness the drama of geological history unfolding before your eyes. Feel the ancient energy of the Earth as you stand amidst these towering pinnacles, their shapes and shadows shifting with the movement of the sun. Below, the landscape stretches out in a patchwork of prairie and rock, where bison roam and prairie dogs play.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Sage Creek Wilderness Area
Welcome to Sage Creek Basin Overlook, where the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park unfolds before your eyes like a masterpiece of nature's own creation. As you stand at this breathtaking vantage point, perched on the edge of the world, prepare to be captivated by the sheer drama and timeless allure of the American West. Gaze out over a landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see, where jagged rock formations painted in hues of pink, orange, and ivory rise from the earth like ancient sentinels. Below, the rugged terrain gives way to rolling prairies and the winding course of the meandering Sage Creek. At My XO Adventures, we bring you to the heart of this natural wonder, offering you not just a glimpse, but an immersive experience. Feel the wind whispering through the grasslands, listen to the calls of native wildlife echoing across the basin, and witness the ever-changing play of light and shadow as the sun traverses the vast South Dakota sky.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Wall Drug
One of the greatest success stories you'll ever hear. Wall Drug is known around the world for its free water and unmistakable billboards. This roadside curiosity has been around for almost 100 years, and its still going strong. Let's enjoy lunch and peruse what started as a modest drug store in a dirt poor town into a mammoth operation today.
30 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests must be able to transfer in and out of the vehicle under their own power.
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
6 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
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
My husband and I enjoyed...
My husband and I enjoyed TWO tours (Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered & Spirit of the West: Devil’s Tower & Spearfish Canyon) with our guide Logan who was unbelievably knowledgable and made conversation so easy! Logan made our first experience in South Dakota & Wyoming so memorable and special. Logan tailored to all our interests and assisted us with making choices that suited our curiosity. Logan did a great job communicating with us prior to our tour, which eased all my stress. During the tour Logan was so invested in giving us the best experience possible, it was evident Logan takes pride in the job he does! I absolutely recommend these tours, in fact, I wish I could have Logan as a guide for every tour going forward. Thank you Logan for an absolutely incredible experience! You made our trip out here extra special.
Response from the operator: Two tours, two states, and one guide who clearly made a lasting impression! It sounds like Logan gave you exactly the kind of first visit we hope our guests experience. We love hearing that he made the days feel easy, personal, and completely shaped around your interests. His communication before the tours, his ability to help you make choices along the way, and the pride he takes in creating a memorable experience all come through in your review. Thank you for trusting My XO Adventures with both your Badlands expedition and your journey to Devils Tower and Spearfish Canyon. We'll make sure Logan sees your kind words, especially the part about wanting him as your guide everywhere you go. We're keeping him though! LOL. Safe travels!
via Viator
An unparalleled experience for wildlife professionals and enthusiasts alike!
My son and I, both biologists, recently joined Logan for the Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition in the Badlands and outer prairie lands of South Dakota. To put it simply, we had an amazing time. This tour is truly one-of-a-kind; it is the only one in the region that provides such deep access to both the Badlands and the surrounding prairie ecosystems. What really set this experience apart was how Logan customized the entire day to match our specific interests. It was immediately evident that Logan isn’t just a guide—he has genuine, extensive field experience in tracking and working with wildlife, and his knowledge of both biology and local history is top-notch. The logistics were perfect. We traveled comfortably in his roomy, air-conditioned van, which allowed us to navigate between optimal wildlife viewing locations with ease. He even provided extra sets of high-quality binoculars, which were a great touch. Throughout the trip, he took professional-grade photos of the wildlife and shared them with us, providing a fantastic memento of the day. We had incredible sightings, including prairie dogs, burrowing owls, bison, a bald eagle, several pronghorns, and mule deer. If you are a wildlife enthusiast looking for a professional, expert-led expedition, I cannot recommend Logan’s tour enough.
Response from the operator: A day in the Badlands with two biologists is Logan’s kind of adventure. He loves working with guests who want to look beyond the overlooks and spend time understanding the animals, tracks, habitat, and prairie landscape. Your list of sightings was exceptional, especially the burrowing owls and bald eagle. We are glad Logan could build the day around your interests, keep you comfortable between viewing areas, and send you home with photographs from the expedition. Thank you for trusting My XO Adventures with this experience and for recognizing the field knowledge Logan brings to his work. We hope the day gave you and your son plenty to talk about long after leaving South Dakota. See you down the road!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible private tours
Daniel and his team are experts in the area. He brings in unique information that makes you want to know and see more. We spent 4 exceptional days going to the major sights and parks with My XO adventures. We would do it again. The planning included unique stops, excellent food, perfect picture moments, and flexibility to tailor the day to fit our specific needs. They know how to avoid the crowds and recommend “hidden” jewels a majority of visitors would never see. We highly recommend this tour company.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing My XO Adventures for your Black Hills and Badlands journey! It was a pleasure sharing this incredible region with you. Just yesterday, I found some new backroads for 2025! We'd love to have you back for another adventure whenever you're ready. Safe travels, and we'll see you down the road!
via Tripadvisor
Baddest Badlands Tour in the History of Ever! Shout out to Kelly (and Amy)!
We have been on several tours while traveling out West and I guess I thought the Badlands would be boring. Was I ever wrong! Kelly, our guide, was absolutely the best. We learned so much and it made us want to learn more when we returned home. Also, she was very understanding of my husband's speed, etc and helped us get him in and out at all stops. We had already booked a tour for the next day with another company and it was too late cancel or we would have 100% changed to XO. The Hanson's
Response from the operator: When you have a guide like Kelli who is so passionate about so many subjects, it makes for a remarkable tour. We thank you so much for leaving a review, and we thank you for your trust. Please tell you friends and those thinking about coming out our way!! Safe Travels.....
via Tripadvisor
Amazing park, can't miss.
Fantastic National Park with great scenery. Wonderful overlooks and trails. Magnificent. in every respect. Amazing park, can't miss.
Response from the operator: The Badlands Golden Hour, Sunset and Night Sky is a truly amazing experience. It's underrated and under-visited, which, in our book, makes it a fantastic place to go. We're so happy you loved your experience and hope to see you down the road.....
via Tripadvisor
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
- 11
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rapid City.
How much does Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered cost?
+
Prices start at $795 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 Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered take?
+
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 Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Rapid City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered?
+
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 Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered?
+
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?
+
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 Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Wildlife Biologist’s Field Expedition: The Badlands Uncovered.
Pick your date
