Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary occupies a red-rock canyon on the outskirts of Kanab and has become one of southern Utah's most unexpected attractions. Thousands of dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses, pigs and other animals live here while they wait for adoption or receive long-term care, and the public is welcome to see the work firsthand. The sanctuary's visitor page describes free daily tours, and the best first step for most people is a Grand Tour, which gives an overview of the canyon and the different animal areas. Individual areas also run their own tours, and there is a separate tour of Angels Rest, the memorial area where animals that have died are laid to rest. Tours and volunteer shifts tend to fill up early, so book through the sanctuary's website ahead of time rather than hoping for a walk-in place. The Welcome Center is the hub for visitors. Walk-ins are not accepted at the animal care areas themselves, so you check at the Welcome Center to see which tours have space. The center has restrooms and the Sanctuary Store, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas. Roxy's Room, a place where visitors can spend time with animals, runs from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. daily without a reservation, and the adoption hub and Club Sinjin are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Angel Village Cafe serves a simple lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a few dollars per person. Hours can change, so confirm on the day you plan to go.

Why it belongs on a Zion itinerary. Kanab is the natural base for the eastern side of the region, and the sanctuary is the one stop that works in any weather. If a storm closes a trail or a fierce summer afternoon makes hiking miserable, a morning among the animals is a gentle, meaningful alternative.

Children tend to love it, and adults often find that the stories of rescue and rehabilitation stay with them far longer than a roadside viewpoint. The sanctuary also hosts volunteer shifts for those who want to give a morning of hands-on help.

Hiking and dogs. The grounds include trails, and the sanctuary suggests exploring with its own app, which shows the best hikes and sights. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, which is a rare perk in country where the national parks restrict pets to a handful of paths. Pet-friendly lodging is also available, from cabins and cottages on the grounds to the sanctuary's roadhouse in town, so travelers with dogs can base themselves here for several days. Accommodations fill well in advance, and visitors with disabilities are asked to phone ahead to arrange assistance.

Practical planning. The Kane County tourism office in Kanab, at 78 South 100 East, can help with maps and information on nearby hiking and permits. Dress for the weather and wear closed shoes, remember that animals are the priority and follow staff instructions about touching or feeding, and do not bring pets into animal areas unless you have been told it is allowed.

Allow at least two hours for a tour and Welcome Center visit, or half a day if you add the cafe and a walk. Many visitors combine the morning here with an afternoon at Coral Pink Sand Dunes or the drive toward Zion's east entrance.