Tripology

Arrival at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. A van will shuttle clients from McCarran International Airport to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, located near Kanab, Utah.

National Parks

During the Best Friends portion of the trip participants will be staying on site in Angel Canyon, surrounded by stunning scenery similar to that found at nearby Zion National Park. Watch the morning sun wash against the orange and red cliffs, thrill to clear blue-bird skies, and breathe in the beauty of this inspiring locale.

Voluntourism

Volunteer duties at Best Friends can include (but is not limited to) assisting with feeding, grooming, cleaning living areas, and walking or training those animals looking for adoptive homes. The facilities at the sanctuary are impressive-there's none of the sadness that you might expect from an animal refuge. These dogs, cats, horses, bunnies, and birds all have great homes and loving companions working with them every day-and they can stay as long as they want. There's no time limit at Best Friends. Of course, the goal is to find every pet a forever home-some just take a little longer to find that perfect match. Working with the animals has recharged many a soul. Expect to feel the love and renew your sense of health and happiness.

Bus

You will be picked up at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, NV and shuttled to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary by the Adventure Bus Travel Company. We'll get acquainted with each other over dinner and settle into our cozy cabins and cottages in beautiful Angel Canyon, part of the 3,000 + acres that make up Best Friends. You'll be able to watch the morning sun wash against the orange and red cliffs, thrill to clear blue-bird skies, and breathe in the beauty of this inspiring locale. A five minute stroll allows you to visit with the horses, goats, and perhaps the most entertaining guests at Best Friends, the pot bellied pigs!
Day 2
After breakfast, you'll spend the morning touring the facilities and getting your volunteering assignments. Enjoy a vegan/vegetarian lunch at the Angel Village Restaurant overlooking Angel Canyon with Best Friend staff members and other volunteers.
In the afternoon begin your work with the animals! Volunteer duties at Best Friends can include (but is not limited to) assisting with feeding, grooming, cleaning living areas, and walking or training those animals looking for adoptive homes. You may choose to work with cats, dogs, birds, horses, pigs and more! We will do our best to fulfill your request. The facilities at the sanctuary are impressive—there's none of the sadness that you might expect from an animal refuge. These dogs, cats, horses, bunnies, and birds all have great homes and loving companions working with them every day—and they can stay as long as they want. There's no time limit at Best Friends. Of course, the goal is to find every pet a forever home—some just take a little longer to find that perfect match. Working with the animals has recharged many a soul. Expect to feel the love and renew your sense of health and happiness.
You may have an option to take a cat or a dog back to your cottage/cabin for the evening. Arrangements for this will be made during the day. This is a great way to extend your volunteer time into the evening.

Day 3
Today you'll have two sessions of volunteering, a morning shift and an afternoon shift. You'll enjoy another lunch at the Best Friends Restaurant and have another chance to bring a dog or cat home for the evening. This evening we'll take time to go and visit a very special place at Best Friends, Angel's Rest.

Hiking

Day 4
After breakfast we'll return our evening guests to their runs and check out at the Welcome Center. You'll have a chance to buy Best Friend Souvenirs. By mid morning we'll move on to the next part of our journey.... Grand Canyon! or Bryce and Zion Canyons! After two days of witnessing and participating incredible displays of human nature, it is time to let Mother Nature put on a show!

Day 4 (June 4-9 or August 9-14)
We'll travel to North Rim of the Grand Canyon and first enjoy a picnic lunch near a stunning view of the canyon. We'll then explore a few more vistas and short trails near the Cape Royal Area. In the late afternoon we'll settle into our campground, enjoy a delicious dinner, and watch the changing colors of the canyon during sunset. Evening activities may include a campfire under the stars or a ranger talk at the campground amphitheater.
Sunrise at Grand Canyon

Camping

Day 5 (June 4-9 or August 9-14)
Early risers will be rewarded with a stunning sunrise along the rim of the Grand Canyon. After a hearty breakfast we will prepare ourselves for the many options of the day. For those who like a big challenge, you can hike into the canyon on the North Kaibab Trail. This trail is very strenuous, but you can choose how far in you hike. You CANNOT reach the Colorado River in one day at North Rim, and it is not recommended that people hike past Roaring Springs in one day. Easier hiking options include the Bridle Trail, Transept Rim Trail, and Bright Angel Trail. Many free ranger programs are also available throughout the day.

Day 6 (June 4-9 or August 9-14)
After we break camp, we'll shuttle back to the Luxor in Las Vegas by 4PM.

Day 4 (Oct 5-10)
We'll depart Best friends after checking out of our cabins and cottages and enjoy a short ride to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. We'll stop for photo opps and exploration at a few of the major formations such as Checkerboard Mesa before traveling through the historic 1.1 mile Zion Tunnel into Zion Canyon. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch near the West Entrance of the park. Spend the afternoon exploring the canyon section of the park on the park's shuttle system. You may choose to do a few short hikes, take in the Museum or Visiter Center, or simply enjoy the guided shuttle ride. In the late afternoon we will regroup and head to our hotel, Flannigans Inn. We will have a gourmet dinner at the Spotted Dog Cafe at Flanigans Inn



Day 5 (Oct 5-10)


On our second day at Zion, we will meet up at 9am, pack up lunches to take with us before heading into the park. Perhaps you'll take in a longer hike today such as Angel's Landing, Emerald Pools, Observation Point or Hidden Valley.(See descriptions below) If hiking isn't your thing, you can also explore the quaint and picturesque town of Springdale, which also has a free shuttle. It is home to many galleries, gem shops, and cafes. Take in a Ranger program in Zion, or schedule a massage at our hotel. There is something for everyone! Dinner at the Spotted Dog Cafe.

Hiking

The next day of the adventure includes the longest hike of the trip-an all day escape into a beautiful side canyon for a trail lunch and lots of exploring. Like John Wesley Powell himself, the folks at Canyon Rim Adventures believe a real connection with this beautiful landscape can only be forged through physical effort. But don't worry, there will be plenty of time for breathers. The day is filled with explanations of the Grand Canyon's geology, history, pre-history, and ecosystems.

Hiking

Day 6 (Oct 5-10)
We'll pack up and checkout of our hotel by 11A and depart for Las Vegas.


Meals
All but two meals are included in your tour. All meals will be vegetarian with options for vegans as well. (14 meals)

Activity Level
Hikes at Grand Canyon or Zion vary in length and difficulty. There is something for everyone. If you are not a hiker, there are ranger programs, museums and many other activities available too. Grand Canyon and Bryce are at 8,000 ft. Zion is at about 4,000 ft.

After lunch on the rim you'll head back out to civilization and a shuttle ride to Las Vegas to catch flight to home.