Buddy is a very young burro who is selected for his first trip into the Grand Canyon. Buddy's friend, Diego, has a handsome saddle placed on his back and he is chosen to carry a person into the canyon. When Buddy sees that an old and clumsy pack frame is to be strapped on his back, his heart sinks. He is embarrassed. Buddy's mother gives him advice as he leaves, but he hangs his head as he walks by. The views and scenery on the trip down are wondrous. Buddy marvels at the petroglyphs on the canyon walls, but he continues to feel his job is not an honorable or prestigious one. Buddy forgets his shame when he hears a commotion in front of him and he learns Diego has injured his leg. The wrangler makes his way to Buddy and removes the crates and bundles from his back. Buddy is worried about his friend. Bandages and medicine are found inside the packages he carried, and Diego's leg is mended.