Private Tour
Available languages
Mobile ticket
During a government shutdown, Badlands and Mt Rushmore remains open and accessible to the public, but all services provided by the National Park Service (NPS) are suspended. The extent of the impact can vary based on the specifics of the shutdown, but past incidents provide a clear precedent for what to expect.
Concessionaire operations: Third-party vendors who operate facilities like restaurants and gift shops (e.g., Xanterra) may remain open and provide limited services, including restrooms. These are privately-run services and are not affected by the government shutdown.
State funding: During previous shutdowns, the state of South Dakota and private donors stepped in to provide funding to keep the memorial open and restore some services. In a 2023 budget standoff, South Dakota officials secured a deal with the NPS to keep some areas open.
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Sheep Mountain Table Road
Sheep Mtn Table is off the beaten path - not many people get out to explore this area like some other areas in the National Park. It is located next to the famous Stronghold Table (Ghost Dance). It is found in a unique and isolated location, wedged between the North and South Units. Lots of Lakota and Homesteading history . . . and it has great views of the Badlands and distant Black Hills. The road when dry is safe. However, Sheep Mtn Table may not be included if road is wet. *"Sheep Mountain Table Road is a dirt road that should not be driven during or after storms. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, even in dry conditions." - National Park Service
Scenic
Once upon a time upcoming railroad stop - hotels, banks and bars . . . now an empty ghost town.
Bottled water
Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 6 guests per Jeep. Larger group tours available.
Snacks
Subs/salads/chips. Guests may bring their own food or beverage. (Twist caps and no glass please.)
Wine and Beer optional
Gratuities Not Included
Select a pickup point
Private
Pickup included
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
joellV5159HI,,Sep 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
This trip is a must for outdoor lovers. You can do as little or as much as you want. Phil our tour guide was amazing. His knowledge and expertise of the Badlands was incredible. It was a 5 star day for sure. The views are spectacular. I recommend this tour as a must do!! The owner Rich of the company Was most helpful in deciding what tours you should book. Open top Black Hills Tours. Is the go to company!!





Jessica E,,Sep 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Absolutely amazing, stunning, jaw-dropping fun exciting day. We are exhausted in a good way. We saw so much and learned even more. Our guide Phil was extremely knowledgeable and we cannot say enough about him. He is a treasure!




michaelwL5713ZN,,Aug 29, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had the best time, Doug was an outstanding guide, professional, knowledgeable, and extremely patient. This is a quality company made up of quality people.
Shari T,,Jul 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had such a good time. Rick was very knowledgeable about the park and the animals. We saw lots of bison, some pronghorn, prairie dogs, and various birds. Lots of great nature pictures were taken on this as well.




T2090NAchrisr,,May 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
The tour and tour guide David were absolutely amazing! We did the 10:00 today. It lasted just a little over 2 hours and we were right in the thick of a large buffalo family and so many other animals. It was a really great experience thanks to David's experience and knowledge of where to find the buffalo! Recommend to anyone! Good time of year too because the babies were very young with some only a day old!






krk11159,,Oct 23, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Favorite part of the tour was the drive up Needles Point. Our guide Jeff was excellent. So much great information about the history of the area. He answered all our questions and was very good and sharing personal experiences we could relate too. This was well worth the money. It ended up being a private tour since no other parties signed up. We were able to see some Bison but there were not a lot out that day.
BackPacker512983,,Oct 7, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was a wonderful way to see Custer Park. Our guide was terrific! He was insightful and showed us things we would never have discovered on our own. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Y8052QDpatriciam,,Oct 4, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great guide (Charlie). He knew a lot about the area. Extensive tour of the area! Pick up in Rapid City and return to hotel was what sold this trip for us.
Velma K,,Sep 24, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
We lucked out with a private tour which made it more comfortable to speak and move about comfortably. You can’t beat the open back experience of being in a Jeep Gladiator.









Reid W,,Sep 13, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was very fun you got to see many different species of animals such as American Bison, Pronghorn Antelope, and Prarie Dogs. Overall a very fun experience no mater the age
Operated by Black Hills Open-Top-Tours