Discovery Weekend, happening June 5-8, is your chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Tucked into the majestic canyons of southern Utah, the Sanctuary is truly a place like no other. At Best Friends’ Discovery Weekend, happening June 5-8, you’ll experience the magic for yourself.
You’ll breathe in the peacefulness of the canyon and be awed by red-rock views, build meaningful connections with like-hearted animal lovers, meet some of the inspiring founders and senior leaders of Best Friends, and savor extraordinary dining experiences.
Enjoy festive gatherings filled with warmth and friendship, and deepen your connection with the animals — and all the lifesaving work you’ve made possible — through volunteer opportunities and guided tours.
An inspiring weekend you won’t soon forget
The weekend is full of activities designed to connect you to the animals, the Sanctuary, and fellow animal lovers.
Indulge in delicious lunches surrounded by breathtaking canyon views at Angels Landing; dive into fulfilling volunteer opportunities that bring you closer to the animals; and participate in one-of-a kind experiences like paint-your-pet, bunny yoga, Sanctuary tours, a cocktail-style reception, and a dinner under the stars with Best Friends CEO Julie Castle.
Thursday, June 5
Welcome mixer at Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile
Friday, June 6
Sanctuary volunteer projects or activities 8:15–11:30 a.m.
During the morning volunteer projects or activities, you can help socialize the bunnies at Bunny House, provide enrichment to the kitties at Cat World, take a casual hike to the Labyrinth and Gratitude Garden, and more.*
Lunch at Angels Landing 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
Dine al fresco while you enjoy a wonderful meal and the view of a stunning natural outdoor amphitheater.
Sanctuary volunteer projects or activities 1:15–4:30 p.m.
After a delicious lunch at Angels Landing, you can spend your afternoon socializing and walking the residents of Dogtown, take a Horse Haven clinic tour and see a training demonstration, or help prepare meals for the birds of Parrot Garden.
Evening social 6–8 p.m.
End your fun-filled day with a reception at Angel Village Café, complete with delectable hors d’oeuvres and a refreshing bar.
Saturday, June 7
Sanctuary volunteer projects or activities 8:15–11:30 a.m.
On Saturday, you can start day 2 of your Sanctuary adventure by honoring your beloved pet during an instructor-led painting class, taking a grand tour, getting a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of one of our caregivers, or taking a gentle yoga class in the company of our adorable bunnies.
Lunch at Angels Landing 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
Enjoy another scrumptious meal at Angels Landing while taking some time to explore the tranquility of the canyon.
Sanctuary volunteer projects or activities 1:15–4:30 p.m.
During Saturday afternoon’s activities, you can take a tour of Angels Rest to hear the tranquil sounds of hundreds of wind chimes that ring in remembrance of beloved pets, visit barnyard buddies to spend some quality time with playful goats and mischievous pigs, or meet some extraordinary residents of the Sanctuary with a tour of Wild Friends.
Dinner under the stars at Angels Landing 6–8:30 p.m.
End the evening in unforgettable style by joining Best Friends CEO Julie Castle for cocktails and a seated dinner at Angels Landing. Festive attire is encouraged, and some adorable and adoptable animal ambassadors will join us.
Sunday, June 8
Private blessing of the animals at Angels Rest 9:30–10:30 a.m.
On Sunday morning before brunch, we’ll meet at Angels Rest for a special ceremony to honor the unconditional love and joy our pets bring to our lives.
Farewell brunch at Angels Landing 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Wrap up a fantastic weekend by enjoying brunch and a bloody mary and mimosa bar with the founders of Best Friends.
*Please note that we are working hard to finalize the schedule for Discovery Weekend, and the Sanctuary volunteer projects and activities listed above represent a sample of the amazing itinerary you can plan in the upcoming months leading to your special weekend.
Traveling to Kanab
Most major car rental companies have locations at the Las Vegas, St. George, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Page airports. From there, you can use your preferred internet map service for directions to Kanab, Utah.
From Las Vegas
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the closest major airport to Kanab. Car rentals are available at the airport. The drive from Las Vegas to Kanab takes roughly four hours. (Please note that Kanab is on Mountain Time, an hour later than Las Vegas, which is on Pacific Time.)
From St. George, Utah
When traveling from Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver, and a few other cities, you can fly into St. George Municipal Airport (SGC) in St. George, Utah. Car rentals are available at the airport. The drive from St. George to Kanab is about 1.5 hours.
From Salt Lake City
If you’re looking to travel by way of Salt Lake City, Utah, you can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Car rentals are available at the airport. The drive from Salt Lake City to Kanab is about five hours via I-15 South.
From Denver
If you’re looking to travel by way of Denver, Colorado, you can fly into Denver International Airport (DEN). Car rentals are available at the airport. The drive from Denver to Kanab is about 10 hours via I-70 West.
From Page, Arizona
If you’re flying in from Las Vegas or Phoenix, you can fly into Page Municipal Airport (PGA) in Page, Arizona. Car rentals are available at the airport. The drive from Page to Kanab is about an hour and 15 minutes. (Please note that from March to November, Kanab is an hour ahead of Arizona, which does not observe daylight saving time.)
Parking and getting around
Parking is available in front of the welcome center during business hours. RV day parking is available adjacent to the welcome center lot during business hours. Most parts of the Sanctuary’s public areas are wheelchair accessible, though the terrain is certainly rugged.
There is no public transportation in Kanab, but Xpress Rent-a-Car offers rental cars in Kanab.
The Sanctuary is in the Mountain time zone
Nearby Las Vegas is always an hour behind, and during daylight saving time, Kanab will be an hour ahead of its close neighbor, Arizona.
About Best Friends
Best Friends Animal Society is working to save the lives of cats and dogs all across the country, giving pets second chances and happy homes.
Just a few short years ago, cats and dogs were killed in staggering numbers in this country simply because shelters didn't have the community support or the resources to save their lives. That number is now less than half a million per year, but there’s still work to do to ensure a bright future for every dog and cat in America.
Best Friends operates the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and is committed to saving the lives of homeless pets by working with shelters and passionate people like you. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill in 2025. Together, we will Save Them All.