• 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 the habitat of one of North America’s rarest mammals, the endangered black-footed ferret. Discover Native American and frontier survival stories and spot a relic from the prehistoric era of dinosaurs.
• Big Badlands Overlook - Upon entering the Badlands, the prairie transforms into jagged spires and sweeping stone layers. Pause at a scenic overlook to admire the breathtaking views, then take a short walk among the formations to experience the scale and texture of the Badlands up close.
• Window Trailhead - Embark on a brief, easy walk to explore the Badlands from within. Depending on conditions and preference, explore the Door and Window Trails for close-up views framed by dramatic rock walls, or ascend the Cliff Shelf loop for a panoramic view over the layered terrain. Both options provide stunning scenery and a chance to appreciate the scale and texture of this extraordinary landscape.
• Cedar Pass Lodge in Badlands National Park - As evening nears, enjoy dinner at Cedar Pass Lodge within the park, situated along the edge of “the Wall”—the dramatic cliff line marking the northern boundary of the Badlands. Dining here keeps you connected to the landscape before venturing further into the formations for the evening. Dinner is chosen and purchased individually, allowing for flexibility and personal choice.
• Norbeck Pass - Approaching Norbeck Pass, the formations become more compact and rise closer to the road. Stop to admire a striking solitary hoodoo—a narrow rock spire left standing as the softer layers around it erode. If desired, a short, uneven path offers the opportunity for a dramatic photo perspective.
• Bigfoot Pass Overlook - Pause at a dramatic overlook where expansive views reveal the vast White River Valley and rugged formations beyond. This area is closely linked 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 profound cultural history of this land, where breathtaking beauty and powerful stories converge.
• Conata Basin - Continue west and pause above the expansive Conata Basin, where the Badlands transition to a vast 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 change in color marks the 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 descends, continue west toward the expansive horizons of Pinnacles and Hay Butte Overlooks where prairie meets layered ridges of clay and rock beneath a vast 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 tranquil stillness of dusk.
• Hay Butte Overlook - As darkness envelops 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.

• Pickup and drop-off from your lodging
• Private transportation in a Jeep Wagoneer
• Former National Park Ranger guide
• Entrance fees
• All taxes and fees included
• 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 rugged pinnacles 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 geology, wildlife, and history to life. As night descends, relax in a zero gravity chair and gaze at the universe above — a vast, clear sky filled with thousands of stars, sweeping meteor trails, and the glowing arc of the Milky Way spanning from horizon to horizon. Discover distant planets, star clusters, and galaxies on a fully private, completely personalized tour led by a local former park ranger — an unparalleled Badlands experience.

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