• Scenic Ghost Town - Journey through rolling grasslands, homesteads, and the nearly deserted town of Scenic, while delving into the area’s rich history—from ancient seas to early settlers. This prairie is also home to one of North America’s rarest mammals, the endangered black-footed ferret. Discover Native American and frontier survival stories and spot a member of the prehistoric dinosaur world.
• Window Trailhead - Embark on a short, easy walk to experience the Badlands from within. Depending on conditions and your preference, explore the Door and Window Trails for close-up views framed by dramatic rock walls, or climb the Cliff Shelf loop for an elevated perspective over the layered terrain. Both options offer breathtaking scenery and a chance to appreciate the scale and texture of this remarkable landscape up close.
• Cedar Pass Lodge in Badlands National Park - As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at Cedar Pass Lodge inside the park, located along the edge of “the Wall”—the dramatic cliff line marking the northern boundary of the Badlands. Dining here keeps you immersed in the landscape before venturing deeper into the formations for the evening. Dinner is selected and purchased individually, offering flexibility and personal choice.
• Norbeck Pass - As you approach Norbeck Pass, the formations become more pronounced and rise closer to the road. Stop to view a striking solitary hoodoo—a narrow rock spire left standing as the softer layers around it erode away. If desired, a short, uneven stretch offers the chance to step out for a dramatic photo opportunity.
• Bigfoot Pass Overlook - Pause at a dramatic overlook where sweeping views reveal the vast White River Valley and rugged formations beyond. This area is closely tied to the story of Chief Spotted Elk—known as Big Foot—and the events of the winter of 1890, as his band traveled south seeking refuge. From these elevated views, reflect on the deep cultural history of this land, where sweeping beauty and powerful stories intersect.
• Conata Basin - Continue west and pause above the wide-open Conata Basin, where the Badlands give way to expansive prairie stretching toward the Pine Ridge Reservation. This quieter vantage point offers sweeping views and, in the right light, a dramatic late-day setting across the basin. Explore or learn about the nearby pig dig discovery.
• Yellow Mounds Overlook - A striking shift in color marks our stop at Yellow Mounds Overlook, where bands of yellow, red, and pink clay reveal ancient layers formed millions of years ago. Once buried beneath grasslands and volcanic ash, these mounds offer a vivid glimpse into the deep geologic history that shaped the Badlands.
• Pinnacles Overlook - As evening settles, continue west toward the wide-open horizons of Pinnacles and Hay Butte Overlooks where prairie meets layered ridges of clay and rock beneath an expansive sky. With fewer crowds and unobstructed views, pause as soft light and long shadows stretch across the ridges, warming the layered formations before fading into the quiet stillness of dusk.
• Hay Butte Overlook - As darkness settles across the prairie, the night sky emerges above the Badlands in stunning clarity. Far from city lights, settle into zero gravity chairs and recline beneath a canopy of stars, with the silhouetted formations stretching across the horizon. Your guide sets up a telescope for a closer look at planets, star clusters, and other celestial highlights before beginning a peaceful return to the Black Hills.

• Private transportation in a Jeep Wagoneer
• Former National Park Ranger guide
• Pickup and drop-off from your lodging
• Entrance fees
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Carbonated beverages

• Dinner
• Gratuities

Discover the enchantment of Badlands National Park in a unique way with this exclusive private sunset and stargazing tour, guided by a former National Park Ranger. As the sun sets, witness the surreal spires and jagged peaks light up in stunning hues of orange, red, and gold. For those eager to explore further, optional short hikes take you beyond the roadside into the core of the Badlands, where your guide’s knowledge brings the area’s geology, wildlife, and history to life. As night falls, relax in a zero gravity chair and gaze at the vast, unpolluted sky filled with thousands of stars, sweeping meteor trails, and the glowing arc of the Milky Way stretching across the horizon. Use a telescope to view distant planets, star clusters, and galaxies that are invisible to the naked eye. This fully private, completely personalized tour, led by a local former park ranger, offers a Badlands experience unlike any other.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.