Rise Before the Roar: Badlands Sunrise Tour
- Duration: 7 Hours (approx.)
- Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
Rise Before the Roar: Sunrise Tour of Badlands National Park
Begin the Day Where Time Stands Still.
Introduction: Welcome to the Awakening Badlands
At My XO Adventures, we invite you to experience the Badlands as few ever do: in the stillness of dawn, before the day begins, before the world gets loud, and before the roads fill with cars and camera clicks. Our “Rise Before the Roar” Sunrise Tour is your personal front-row seat to nature’s most tender performance—the slow, golden unfurling of a landscape shaped by 75 million years of time, light, wind, and water.
This is not just a tour. It’s a sacred, soulful moment—a private passage into a world that feels untouched. It’s your chance to witness the Badlands breathe, stretch, and glow, before the roar of the day begins.
Why “Rise Before the Roar”?
Because the roar is real. As the day progresses, so do the crowds, the noise, and the rush. But in these early hours, long before the parking lots fill and voices echo through the canyons, the Badlands are still yours—and only yours. Coyotes call. Bighorn sheep descend to graze. Mule deer emerge like spirits in the mist. The sun peeks over the horizon, casting its first warm rays across striped spires and sunken valleys. Everything is hushed. Everything is holy.
What Makes This Tour Unique?
Total Privacy: Just you, your companions, and your guide. No mixing with strangers. Ever.
Custom Timing: We pick you up at your location in Rapid City (or nearby towns), ensuring we arrive at the perfect vantage point before the sun crests the horizon.
Expert Guidance: Our guides don’t recite facts—they tell stories. You’ll learn the secrets of the land, from its geology and ancient fossils to its wildlife behaviors, cultural significance, and the quiet power of place.
Handpicked Sunrise Spots: Not every view is created equal. We’ve scouted the park for the most breathtaking—and most tranquil—sunrise locations.
Comfort & Safety: Heated seats, drinks and snacks. Extra blankets. Optional zero-gravity chairs if you'd like to recline and soak it all in.
Flexible Itinerary: Want to linger in a moment? Photograph bison in morning mist? Change the route? No problem. This is your journey, not a rigid schedule.
Tour Highlights
The Pinnacles Overlook: A prime sunrise location with sweeping views of rugged formations bathed in gold.
Sage Creek Rim Road: Wildlife abounds here in the early hours. Watch for bison, coyotes, deer, and prairie dogs waking up.
Bigfoot Pass or Conata Basin: Off-the-beaten-path and surreal in the soft light of dawn—these lesser-known areas capture the Badlands’ quiet soul.
Coffee & Conversation: Sip a warm beverage and hear tales of the park’s dramatic history, from the prehistoric sea that once covered it to the Native American tribes who still honor its spirit.
Optional Hike: Feel like stretching your legs? A short, easy hike to a sunrise ridge is available upon request.
What’s Included
Round-trip private transportation in a luxury 4x4 vehicle
Park admission and all entry fees
Professional guide
Coffee, tea, water, and breakfast snacks
Blankets, hand warmers, and zero-gravity chairs (as needed)
Flexible pickup locations in Rapid City, Wall, or nearby areas
Optional walking tour or photo stops
Plenty of time for questions, photos, and simply soaking it all in
What’s Not Included
Gratuities
While not required, gratuities for your guide are greatly appreciated and customary for exceptional service.Pickup Fees for Custer or Hill City
Pickup from Custer, Hill City, or Deadwood locations incurs an additional charge. Please inquire when booking.Full Breakfast
Light snacks are provided.Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not provided. Guests are encouraged to secure their own coverage through a reputable company or credit card.
Who Is This Tour For?
Early risers
Photographers and nature lovers
Romantic couples seeking a soulful start to the day
Wildlife enthusiasts
Travelers wanting to avoid the crowds and connect deeply with nature
Anyone who’s ever stood in silence, watching the sky ignite, and whispered: “Wow.”
Timing and Duration
Tour Length: Approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on your location and pace
Start Time: Determined by sunrise
Pickup Time: Coordinated individually to ensure timely arrival at our chosen sunrise location
What You’ll See and Learn
The geology of the Badlands—from Pierre Shale to the Brule and Sharps formations
Fossil beds of ancient mammals like saber-toothed cats and oreodonts
Bison, bighorn sheep, mule deer, prairie dogs, and if we’re lucky, the occasional golden eagle
Cultural and historical insights into Lakota connections with the land
The natural rhythm of a landscape where time is measured in erosion, not hours
Behind the Scenes: Why We Created This Tour
Daniel Milks, owner and founder of My XO Adventures, created “Rise Before the Roar” after a solo sunrise visit to the Badlands left him in awe. With no one else around, the moment felt sacred—almost like the land was speaking, just for him. He realized most visitors miss this side of the park entirely. The sunrise doesn’t just light the Badlands—it transforms them.
That sense of awe, of intimacy, of stepping into something eternal—that’s what this tour offers.
What Our Guests Are Saying
“We were the only people around as the sun came up. I cried. It was that beautiful.” – Samantha J., Vermont
“This was the highlight of our entire road trip. Worth waking up early a hundred times over.” – Brian M., Denver
“Our guide knew everything about the Badlands, but what made it special was how he made us feel like we belonged there.” – Erica and Dan, Austin
Good to Know
Layers are your friend! Mornings can be chilly—even in summer.
We provide everything to keep you warm, but comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are still a good idea.
Bring your camera, your curiosity, and your sense of wonder.
