We’re starting with Zion’s most famous hike—or, to some, infamous. Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart: Hikers climb along a narrow fin, or wall of rock, scaling roughly 1,500 vertical feet with sheer ledges on either side of their hiking boots. Chains line most, though not all, of the difficult sections, so hikers have to stay alert. It's only 5.4 miles round-trip, but it should only be attempted by serious hikers. The reward, of course, is one of the most fabulous views in the park.

Right across from the historic Zion Lodge, the Emerald Pools Trail is another Zion classic—and at just 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers), there’s no reason not to stuff this one into your Zion itinerary. As its name suggests, the trail leads to a series of green-hued pools collected from small ephemeral waterfalls—quite a sight in this dry, desert oasis. There are lower, middle, and upper sections, with the lower being stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

While The Narrows is labeled anywhere from 5–9.4 miles round-trip, the adventure starts almost immediately. After walking along a paved path, hikers quickly step foot into the North Fork of the Virgin River, and the fun begins. This uber-popular hike is almost entirely in water, and as hikers progress, the canyon walls only get higher and narrower—hence the name. The views are always spectacular, but the longer you go, the better the scenery gets.

At just 1 mile round trip, the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is like an appetizer, an amuse-bouche of what the park can offer. Only here’s the thing: The views from here are really good. Disproportionately good. From the overlook—the hike is family-friendly, but be prepared for some switchbacks along the way—hikers can spot East Temple, Bridge Mountain, the West Temple, the Towers of the Virgin, and the Streaked Wall. Expect a fabulous panorama spilling out in front of you.

Another semi-quick sojourn at 2.7 miles and rated easy-moderate, The Watchman is one of the top hiking trails in Zion National Park. Hikers can hop on the trail from the shuttle, follow the Virgin River upstream, and then pretty quickly be surrounded by views of overhanging cliffs, scrub woodlands of juniper, and landmarks like the Towers of the Virgin. Most hikers can handle The Watchman’s requirements—and get access to his rewards.

The only trail in Zion National Park that allows (leashed) dogs and bicycles, the Pa’rus Trail is a mostly paved 3.5 miles—it’s accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and anyone looking for a pleasant stroll amid some of the nation’s best scenery. Although the hike is easy, don’t discount it: Following the Virgin River to Canyon Junction Bridge, you can definitely expect exquisite views in all directions.

Another not-too-crowded trail in Zion, the 8-mile Chinle Trail is one of Zion’s few desert trails. It’s low-elevation with relatively smooth terrain, so if you’re looking for wildflowers, craggy rocks, great photography, and nothing too death-defying, Chinle fits the bill. At the halfway point, you’ll even run into a petrified forest, proving Zion isn’t all red-rock wonder. Just know this one’s fairly exposed, so pack that sun hat and bring plenty of water, or save it for winter.

At 14 miles, this one’s certainly not for everyone, but those who can handle this long day-hike or overnight stargazing adventure get quite the prize: This hike leads to one of the largest freestanding arches in the world. Kolob Arch stands high and wide at 330 feet long, a picturesque rival to other arches in nearby national parks, namely Arches and Canyonlands. There’s a second bonus, too: Moderately strenuous, this hike is almost always free of Zion’s typical crowds.

For 2.2 miles, the Riverside Walk rolls along the Virgin River to the mouth of Zion's iconic slot canyon, The Narrows. This is where some hikers hop into the river and tackle the world-famous hike of the same name; others end their hike at the end of the walk, aka the “Gateway to the Narrows,” hopping in the water for just a splash or three, or stopping for a picnic. The Riverside Walk is mostly paved and flat, making it one of the best hikes in Zion Canyon for wheelchair accessibility.