Amazing hikes must all check off a few boxes to earn that label. A sweeping vista or two is essential, some unique flora and fauna is almost par for the course, and mesmerizing geological features like waterfalls or creeks certainly don’t hurt. Add in a bit of isolation and you have a recipe for success.

But whether it’s ancient temples, one-of-a-kind peaks, a strong sense of history, or just truly epic landscapes, each bucket-list hike in this roundup has that extra something special it takes to stand above the rest. This is the best places that will impressed you over the years..