Badlands sunset and stargazing tour: Private night sky viewing

Watch the Badlands shift through sunset colors, then lie back under 7,500 stars

A six to seven hour private tour in Badlands National Park combines sunset wildlife viewing in Sage Creek Wilderness with night sky observation from a secluded location only this operator knows. The guide provides transportation, folding chairs, blankets, binoculars, red-light flashlights, constellation charts and a telescope. Night photos are captured and shared at the end of the tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset and night sky viewing in Badlands

• Enter Badlands National Park before sunset
• View sunset from Bigfoot Pass Overlook
• Explore Sage Creek Wilderness area at sunset
• Stop at impressive Badlands viewpoint for photos
• Set up at secluded night sky viewing area
• Watch planets, shooting stars, and Milky Way
• Use telescope at Amphitheater for star viewing
• Guide takes night photos and shares tips

The Experience

The tour starts just before sunset at a location chosen for both wildlife and light. You'll drive through Sage Creek Wilderness with the setting sun at your back, which turns the rock formations, shadows and any animals you spot into sharp subjects for photos. The guide handles photography if you want it, and stops at one of the most overlooked viewpoints in the park. Once the sun dips below the horizon, the "Blue Hour" begins: roughly an hour when the sky glows bright blue and orange while the landscape darkens. This is when the Badlands' striped walls and buttes show their full range of color.

After the blue hour fades, you'll move to the night viewing area. Zero-gravity folding chairs recline fully so you can lie back without strain. Blankets, comfortable mats and pillows are provided. A red-light flashlight keeps your eyes adjusted to the dark. The guide sets up a telescope and shares a constellation chart showing which planets, satellites and star patterns pass overhead. Badlands National Park sits far enough from city lights that over 7,500 stars are visible on any clear night. The guide will photograph the night sky and teach you how to capture it on your phone, then share the images with you before the tour ends.

Bottled water and snacks are included throughout. Children from age seven are welcome, and the tour suits all fitness levels since you're seated or lying down for most of the evening.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your location.
• zero-gravity folding chairs that fully recline.
• blankets, comfortable mats and pillows.
• binoculars.
• red-light flashlights.
• constellation locator software and star charts.
• a telescope for night sky viewing.
• bottled water and snacks.
• night sky photography captured by the guide and shared with you at the end of the tour.

Days and timesNo departures until 30 Jul 2027

AgesAges 21+ · 12 to 20 years · 7 to 11 years · Under 7 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcome

Operated by My XO Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so the commentary and constellation explanations are accessible to anyone who understands English. Children from age seven are welcome, and since the tour is seated or reclined for most of the evening, it suits all fitness levels.

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Top questions

Can children come?

12 to 20 years; 7 to 11 years. Under 7: no ticket type, they can't be added to a booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How much of the tour is spent watching the sunset versus the night sky?

Sunset viewing and the blue hour together take roughly the first two hours of the tour. The remaining time is spent at the night sky location with the telescope and stargazing, so you have substantial time for both.

Do I need to bring my own camera to get photos of the stars?

No. The guide captures night photos with professional equipment and shares them with you at the end of the tour. You can also learn how to photograph the night sky using your phone, and the guide will help you do that.

What is Bigfoot Pass Overlook, and do we stop there?

Bigfoot Pass Overlook is named after Chief Bigfoot, who led his tribe through the Badlands during their flight from the U.S. Army. The site holds deep historical significance tied to the events at Wounded Knee. The tour includes this stop as part of the park experience.

Is the night viewing area inside Badlands National Park?

Yes. The night sky viewing location is within the park at a spot only this operator uses, chosen for its darkness and clear views of the sky and landscape.

What should I wear for a six to seven hour tour that ends at night?

Bring layers. The Badlands cool significantly after sunset, and you'll be lying on blankets and mats for the night portion. Comfortable clothing you can move in easily is best, since you'll transition from standing during sunset to reclining during stargazing.