Unearth the long-buried past in Badlands National Park, a place like no other! This strange, alien landscape of rocky peaks hides tens of millions of years of history. Learn all about it as you explore with this self-guided driving tour, which takes you along the Badlands Wall and shows you the best overlooks, hiking trails, and more.

The tour of Badlands National Park begins in the town of Wall (if it’s more convenient, you can also begin the tour from the town of Philip). From there, you’ll head south into the park itself. Once you enter the park, you’ll have the option to take a quick detour to see a prairie dog colony at Roberts Prairie Dog Town. It’s a pretty uncommon sight, and highly recommend for any animal lovers.

Then there’s Ancient Hunters Overlook, where the ancestors of the Lakota once butchered bison they had killed in their hunts. As you drive, you’ll hear lots more about these hunters and their prey. Then you’ll arrive at Yellow Mounds Overlook, which really outdoes its unappealing name by revealing millions of years of geologic history.

Finally, you’ll arrive at Big Badlands Overlook. This one really earns its name and offers one of the best views in the entire park. Your tour concludes here.

Explore a landscape like no other and find out how it formed
Spot bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep
Learn about the Lakota who once lived here
Watch a once-in-a-lifetime sunset over the Badlands’ rocky peaks
Uncover the prehistoric secrets of the Badlands’ many fossils

Important to know

Know in advance:

This is a self-guided tour, no guide will accompany you. The local operator's app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one
Please arrange for a vehicle before you take the tour. You only need to book one tour per vehicle, not per person
This tour provides a live GPS map on your smartphone, audio narration, written text explanations, and suggested stops
After booking the tour you will receive an email from the local operator with the instruction to download the tour, search in your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. The tour and maps will work off-line, but you will not be able to download it and set-it up without data
This tour is valid for an entire year - from the moment of booking. You don't need to change the booking if your travel plans change
The local operator has an all-day support line available via call, chat, or email. Local operator's contacts can be found in the voucher after booking

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Audio-guided tour
Audio guide

Food and drinks
Transportation

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

1101 Glenn St, Wall, SD 57790, USA

Meeting point:

This is a self-guided experience and not an entrance ticket. It begins at the GPS-marked starting point in Wall or Philip. Be sure to check your email before you begin to download the Action Tour Guide app, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good data/wifi. From there, simply follow the audio instructions and the route.