KSL’s Chopper 5 and photojournalist document Utah’s unique beauty

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s unique geography, that includes mountains, deserts, lakes and snow, bring visitors from around the world.

KSL photojournalist Meghan Thackrey is part of a team that documents news on KSL TV’s Chopper 5, giving her some pretty unique landscapes and geographic features to record. The state slogan “Life Elevated” may apply a little bit extra to views from above.

Here is her compilation of a few of some beUTAHful natural wonders, including but not limited to:

KOLOB CANYON

This less-visited district of Zion National Park is located via exit 40 on Interstate 15, about halfway Toquerville to the south and Cedar City to the north. You can enjoy it here from the air or take a five-mile scenic drive inside the park.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

Known for many things, including hiking, wildlife and soaring canyon walls, it is one of the most visited national parks, getting more annual visitors than the more spacious Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Park. Thackrey managed to capture one of its most famous — and crowded — hiking destinations: Angels Landing.

ESCALANTE

The vast landscapes of Grand Staircase-Eascalante National Monument is located along All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12 in south-central portion of Utah. Here is a glimpse of the monument that was established by one president, shrunk by another and restored by a third.

COSMIC ASHTRAY

In that national monument is the tough-to-hike-to cosmic ashtray, captured in it’s glory from the air.

CAPITOL REEF

Called a wrinkle in the earth, Capitol Reef National Park is a gem with canyons, cliffs, domes and bridges.

CANYONLANDS

This national park is divided into sections and we catch a glimpse here.

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