as far as shoes, I have a pair of chaco sandals I do my hiking in. Tres comfortable! As long as it isn't too rough (and it sounds like nothing you are doing is). I do 90% of my hiking in these sandals, and they pack down nice and compact!

I find Angel's Landing in Zion to be a great and short hike. It's all relative, but it is worth the trip to the top if you can manage it.