Jeep Safari and Hike in Custer State Park — Private Day Tour from Rapid City
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness; the jeep reduces mileage but expect short hikes on uneven granite with some elevation change.
Overview
Spend a private day in Custer State Park behind the wheel of an open-air jeep, watching roaming bison and hiking granite trails. This eight-hour tour from Rapid City blends wildlife viewing, local food, and guided trail time for a concise Black Hills experience.
Jeep Safari and Hike in Custer State Park — Private Day Tour from Rapid City
Select participants and date
The Jeep rumbles out of Rapid City before dawn, headlights cutting through the low pine fog. By the time you crest the first ridge the prairie opens like a held breath: granite spires punctuating the skyline, wind picking at grass, and a band of bison moving slow and deliberate across the valley. On a private Custer State Park safari, the land is doing the inviting and the daring—bison graze with the casual authority of kings; the Needles thrust up like the vertebrae of an ancient beast.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Carry water and a hydration pack
Even on cooler days the sun and elevation can dehydrate you—bring at least 1 liter per person for the hike portion.
Wear sturdy, grippy footwear
Trails include granite steps and loose scree—boots or trail shoes with good traction are recommended.
Keep distance from wildlife
Bison look calm until they don’t—stay inside the jeep unless directed by your guide and maintain at least 50 yards when on foot.
Plan for changing weather
Afternoon storms can roll in quickly in the Black Hills—pack a lightweight rain shell and an insulating midlayer.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bison (American buffalo)
- Pronghorn
History
Custer State Park was established in the early 20th century and features New Deal-era stonework from the Civilian Conservation Corps; the Black Hills have long been home to Lakota and Cheyenne peoples.
Conservation
The park actively manages its iconic bison herd and encourages leave-no-trace practices; seasonal trail closures protect nesting birds and fragile vegetation.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Rapid City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protects ankles on granite steps and loose scree encountered on park trails.
Insulated, waterproof jacket
Late-afternoon winds and mountain showers are common—bring a packable shell.
fall specific
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
Keeps you hydrated during jeep stops and hikes; refill from provided water at lunch.
summer specific
Binoculars or zoom lens
Helps spot distant pronghorn, bighorn, and herd behavior without disturbing wildlife.
spring specific