From Rapid City: Custer State Park Private Safari and Hiking

Exploring the vast wilderness of Custer State Park is a must-do activity for any visitor to Rapid City. This private safari and hiking tour offers a chance to take in the park’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. From encountering majestic bison to traversing scenic trails, this full-day adventure promises an unforgettable experience. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and a delicious lunch provided, the tour ensures an intimate and seamless connection with the park’s natural wonders. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking to connect with nature, this tour might just be the perfect way to uncover the hidden gems of South Dakota’s largest state park.

Key Points

• Offers a full-day private tour from Rapid City or Hill City to explore Custer State Park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
• Includes an open-air jeep safari for close encounters with bison, antelope, mule deer, and the opportunity to feed friendly burros.
• Provides guided hiking experiences on scenic trails, showcasing towering granite peaks, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls.
• Highlights the park’s natural wonders, such as majestic bison herds and panoramic vistas, over an 8-hour duration.
• Includes lunch, park entrance fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, and refreshments, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour from Rapid City or Hill City takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Custer State Park, South Dakota’s largest state park.

Lasting 8 hours, the tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Guests can expect a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the freedom to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With a cost starting at $758.00 per group (up to 2 people), this tour offers an exceptional value for those seeking a personalized and enriching experience in one of the state’s premier natural destinations.

Wildlife Encounters

Custer State Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, which includes bison herds, antelope, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, coyotes, elk, and bighorn sheep.

On this private safari tour, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The open-air jeep safari provides an intimate experience, allowing you to get up close and personal with the roaming buffalo.

You’ll also have the chance to feed the friendly burros that inhabit the park.

This unique wildlife experience is sure to leave you in awe of the park’s abundant and varied animal life, making it one of the best wildlife destinations in the world.

Hiking Experiences

Along With the thrilling wildlife safari, the private Custer State Park tour dedicates the afternoon to exploring the park’s scenic hiking trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and grandeur of the region.

From gentle strolls to more challenging hikes, the trails within Custer State Park offer something for every fitness level. Guests can marvel at the towering granite peaks, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls that dot the landscape.

Along the way, hikers may spot additional wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and elusive mountain lions.

With breathtaking vistas around every corner, the hiking portion of the tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to truly connect with the stunning natural environment of South Dakota.

Custer State Park Highlights

Sprawling across over 71,000 acres, Custer State Park showcases South Dakota’s diverse natural wonders, from towering granite peaks to lush meadows teeming with wildlife.

The park’s renowned wildlife population includes bison herds, antelope, mule deer, and the iconic burros that visitors can feed during the open-air jeep safari tours.

Beyond wildlife, the park boasts breathtaking hiking trails that wind through stunning landscapes, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty.

Whether it’s encountering the majestic bison or taking in the panoramic vistas, Custer State Park provides an unforgettable experience that celebrates the wild essence of the American West.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Meals and Refreshments

The private safari and hiking tour provides a lunch at the historic Custer State Game Lodge or a location of choice, as well as light snacks and water throughout the day. This ensures visitors are well-fed and hydrated as they explore the vast and scenic Custer State Park.

Plus, the tour includes the entrance fee, hotel pickup and drop-off, and optional tips for the guide. While additional food and drinks are available for purchase, the provided meals and refreshments are a welcome addition to the overall experience.

The tour caters to the needs of your, making it a comfortable and enjoyable day in the great outdoors.

Booking and Availability

To secure your spot without upfront payment, the tour offers a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option. This allows visitors to book the private safari and hiking experience in advance while providing the flexibility to pay closer to the tour date. Availability is also an important consideration, as the tour guide recommends checking the schedule for starting times and participant capacity.

Start Time	Max Participants	Availability
8:00 AM	6	Open
10:00 AM	4	Limited
1:00 PM	8	Open

Booking early is recommended, as space on this popular tour can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. The flexible payment option and availability details ensure visitors can plan their Custer State Park adventure with confidence.

Tour Restrictions and Recommendations

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with back problems, cautions the tour guide.

Plus, visitors are encouraged to check availability for starting times and participant capacity to ensure a seamless booking experience.

To ensure a comfortable and safe excursion, the tour provider offers the following recommendations:

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to fully enjoy the hikes and outdoor safari.

2. Bring sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to guard against the region’s intense sunshine.

3. Stay hydrated by packing a reusable water bottle, as the tour includes time spent in the wilderness.

About the Private Tour

This private full-day tour from Rapid City or Hill City offers visitors an immersive exploration of Custer State Park, South Dakota’s largest state park. Over the course of 8 hours, guests will embark on an open-air jeep safari, offering close encounters with the park’s diverse wildlife, including bison herds, antelope, and bighorn sheep. In the afternoon, the tour focuses on hiking scenic trails within the park, showcasing its breathtaking natural beauty. Included in the tour are lunch, park entrance fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, and light refreshments. With a live guide, the tour provides a personalized and informative experience for visitors to appreciate the wonders of Custer State Park.

Overview	Details
Duration	8 hours
Cost	From $758 per group (up to 2 people)
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours in advance
Language	Live tour guide in English

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes light snacks and water, but those wishing to bring additional sustenance are welcome to do so.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary. Guests can discuss their interests with the guide and make adjustments to the hiking trails, wildlife viewing locations, and dining options within the park to better suit their preferences.

How Accessible Is the Park for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not ideal for individuals with mobility challenges, as the park has uneven terrain and hiking trails. However, the open-air jeep safari provides an accessible way to experience Custer State Park’s wildlife and scenery for those with disabilities.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Safari and Hiking?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the safari and hiking portions of the Custer State Park tour. However, they should be respectful of the wildlife and not interfere with the tour guide’s instructions or the group’s experience.

Are There Any Additional Safety Precautions for the Wildlife Encounters?

The tour guides enforce strict safety protocols for wildlife encounters, such as maintaining a safe distance from animals and providing detailed instructions. Visitors are advised to follow all safety guidelines to ensure an enjoyable and secure experience.

Recap

This private tour of Custer State Park offers an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Guests can explore the park’s stunning landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife, and enjoy guided hikes on scenic trails.

With knowledgeable guides, a delicious lunch, and hotel pickup, this all-inclusive adventure ensures an intimate connection with the natural wonders of South Dakota.

You can check if your dates are available here: