Yosemite is one of the U.S.’s most popular parks, and for good reason. The combination of mountains and forests creates picturesque landscapes for miles around. Fans of the outdoors should recognize the park’s three main centerpieces: El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. In Yosemite you’ll see the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, an abundance of life and gorgeous views no matter where you turn. Should you ever find yourself in Yosemite, make sure that you stop by Tunnel View, the parks most famous scenic viewpoint, where you can see how towering El Capitan and Half Dome truly are. Animals that you may see out on the trails and near the rivers include black bears, coyotes, bobcats, river otters, red foxes, spotted owls, and cougars.
What not to miss: El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls
Best time of year to visit: Springtime if you want to see the waterfalls in full force, fall for backpacking.
Best time of year to avoid the crowds: Spring and fall
Busiest Time of the year: Like most National Parks, Yosemite is busy whenever school is out – butthe peak time of year is definitely July and August.
Helpful Hint: Obey all posted signs.
Caution: Hike in groups when possible and never feed the wildlife!
Yosemite Mugs
Yosemite Conservancy – Half dome The good people down at the Yosemite Conservancy help ensure that the park stays in tip-top shape, and their mug featuring Half Dome is the perfect addition to your mug collection.
Majestic HotelThis slender mug portrays the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, against the backdrop of the looming mountainous cliffs that the park is known for.
Bridalveil Falls Another famous waterfall in Yosemite, Bridalveil falls makes for the perfect design on this mug. A great mug to help you reflect on your trip to this wonderful park.
Where to Buy Mugs
There are currently two mugs available from the Yosemite Conservancy online here.
For purchasing mugs inside the park, visit the following locations:
Valley Visitor Center
9035 Village Drive
YNP, CA 95389
Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio
8308 Wawona Road
Fishcamp, CA 93623
Big Oak Flat Information Center
Hwy. 120, North West Entrance
YNP, CA 95389
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
Hwy. 120 (Follow the signs)
YNP, CA 95389
Mariposa Grove Depot
9219 Wawona Rd.
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
The Grand Canyon is millions of years in the making, as erosion over the years has exposed the multi-colored layers of the Colorado Plateau in the mesas and canyon walls around the park. Many big-time hikers will take on the park’s epic rim-to-rim hike, which will take approximately 5-7 days to complete. For a shorter hike, try the South Kaibab Trail or the Bright Angel Trail, both of which can be done in a day.
Hermit Road Drive is an excellent way to see a lot in a little amount of time if you’re just passing through. Meanwhile, Mather Point Overlook is one of the best scenic spots in the all of the park. While taking in the valleys of the Grand Canyon, look for the following animals: elk, California condors, bighorn sheep, and the occasional mountain lion (although sightings are rare).
What not to miss: Desert View Tower, Mather Point Overlook, the Yavapai Geology Museum
Best time of the year to visit: Autumn. The weather is excellent, the river is orange, and it isn’t as crowded as the summer months
Best time of the year to avoid crowds: December-April
Busiest time of the year: Summer months
Helpful Hint: Bring layers of clothing, as the weather can be cooler than you think. Also, make sure you arrive before 10 am if you want to snag a parking spot
Caution: Ride the mule, not the elk! And never get too close to the edge
Grand Canyon Mugs
Rock formations and erosion highlighted Another mug that perfectly highlights the rough, rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon National Park.
100th anniversary Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park with this mug, which features the jagged Colorado Plateau.
Where to Buy Mugs
You can purchase Grand Canyon mugs at the Grand Canyon Lodges website here.
In the park, look for the following locations to buy a mug:
National Geographic Visitor Center
450 AZ-64
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
235 N Grand Canyon Blvd
Williams, AZ 86046
El Tovar Hotel
9 Village Loop Dr
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
The Hopi House
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Arches National Park is a place of open night skies and breathtaking sandstone structures. Millions of years of erosion have created the park’s hallowed arches, including the popular Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch. This park can be unforgiving with the dry desert heat and altitude, so water should always be on standby after hikes and while exploring. Despite the conditions, wildlife still thrives in these conditions by using nocturnal strategies to survive. Be on the lookout for the following critters: kangaroo rat skunks, ringtails, foxes, bobcats, owls, deer, mountain lions, and black-tailed jackrabbits.
Arches National Park truly comes alive at night, where stargazing is a must if you’re planning a visit. Balanced Rock Picnic Area, the Windows Section, Garden of Eden Viewpoint, and Panorama Point are some of the best places to go for stargazing. Pro tip: bring a star chart and stargaze during a new moon or when the moon is below the horizon to really see the stars.
What not to miss: The Windows, which is the most accessible place in the park to see the most arches!
If you have the time, Delicate Arch is also incredible, but will include about a mile of trails to reach.
Best time of year to visit: Early part of November, as the crowds have thinned out and the temps are perfect for hiking.
Best time of year to avoid the crowds: December – January and definitely any holiday weekends.
Busiest time of year: June, July, and August
Helpful Hint: No matter where you explore in canyon country be sure to bring and drink plenty of water.
Caution: Be sure to stay on the trails because the soil is alive!
Arches Mugs
Where to Buy Mugs
You can purchase this mug online at the Canyonlands Natural History Association shop here.
Or, visit the Island of the Sky Visitor Center and Arches Visitor Center.
Images credits:
Yosemite – Mark J. Miller
Glacier National Park – Bradley Davis
Grand Canyon – Grand Canyon National Park
Smoky Mountains – The Soar Net
Arches – Neil Herbert
Arches Mugs
Lush greenery, expansive views of the ocean, snow-covered mountain caps, and towering trees. When driving through the Pacific West region, you’ll come across these staples of the area. Whether you’re hitting the hiking trails, watching the sunset on a beach, or taking in the history of the park, you may feel like you’re in another world. Believe us, this is a good thing.
Channel Islands National Park – California
What not to miss: Don’t miss (there’s so much!) the tidepool table in the Visitor Center, visiting one of the six islands that the Channel Island Fox calls home (each one is its own sub-species), and whale watching!
Where to buy mugs:
Visitor Center
1901 Spinnaker Dr.
Ventura, CA. 93001
Mugs are available online at Western National Parks Association Store.
Crater Lake National Park – Oregon
What not to miss: The view of Crater lake! This is what everyone comes out here for.
Where to buy mugs:
Crater Lake Lodge
565 Rim Drive
Klamath Falls, OR 97604
Crater Lake Visitors Center Bookstore
Steel Visitors Center
Rim Drive
Crater Lake, OR 97604
Mugs are available online here.
Death Valley National Park – California & Nevada
What not to miss: Badwater Basin — the lowest point in North America. Zabriskie Point, Stovepipe Wells Sand Dunes. If you have more time be sure to include Artist Palate, Badwater Basin, Scotties Castle, Salt Creek (spring of 2020).
Where to buy mugs:
Furnace Creek Visitors Center
271 Highway 190
Death Valley, CA 92328
Mugs are available online here.
The Oasis at Death Valley
Death Valley National Park
Highway 190
Death Valley, CA 92328
Great Basin National Park – Nevada
What not to miss: Lehman, Caves Tour, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Bristlecone and Pine Hike.
Where to buy mugs:
Lehman Caves Visitor Center
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311
Great Basin Visitor Center
357 N. Hwy 487
Baker, NV 89311
Mugs are availavle online through Western National Park Association.
Haleakala National Park – Hawaii
What not to miss: Catching the sunrise from any one of the great lookout spots.
Where to buy mugs: Coming soon…
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii
What not to miss: Mount Kilauea — an active volcano. This site is in a massive rebuilding stage and until it’s completion mugs are not available.
Where to buy mugs: Coming soon…
Joshua Tree – California
What not to miss: This is truly just an amazing playground full of amazing rock formations , cacti and of course, the Joshua Trees. Be prepared to be amazed and allow yourself extra time to explore all the wonder this park as to offer.
Where to buy mugs:
Joshua Tree Visitor Center
6554 Park Blvd
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Cottonwood Visitor Center
Pinto Basin Rd
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Black Rock Nature Center
9800 Black Rock Rd
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Oasis Visitor Center
74485 National Park Dr
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Coyote Corner
6535 Park Boulevard
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Kings Canyon – California
What not to miss: The King’s Canyon Scenic Byway and the incredible, massive, towering Redwoods!
Shop In-Store:
If you are in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, stop by one of our Park Stores. They are located in the Visitor Centers throughout the Parks. In Sequoia: Foothills Visitor Center, Giant Forest Museum, Lodgepole Visitor Center, and the Mineral King Ranger Station. In Kings Canyon: Kings Canyon Visitor Center, and the Cedar Grove Visitor Center. Here’s a great link for more informaiton.
Mugs are available online here.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
What not to miss: The view from the top and a stay at the MT. Lassen KOA.
Where to buy mugs:
Longmire Gift Shop
396 Franciscan Trail
Redding, CA 96003
Both Entrances to the National Park and online here.
Mount Rainier National Park – Washington
What not to miss: Visit the Paradise area and the Jackson Visit Center.
Where to buy mugs:
Longmire Gift Shop
Hwy. 706 (10 mi east of Ashford)
Longmire, WA, 98397
GPS Coordinates: 46.749762,-121.81231
Henery M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise
Paradise Rd E
Ashford, WA 98304
GPS Coordinates: 46.7858749, -121.736722
Paradise Inn Gift Shop
98368 Paradise-Longmire Rd
Ashford, WA 98304
Sunrise Day Lodge
Sunrise Park Rd
Ashford, WA 98304
Olympic National Park – Washington
What not to miss: Ruby Beach – one of the most iconic beaches on the West Coast.
Where to buy mugs:
Lake Crescent Lodge
416 Lake Crescent Road
Olympic National Park, WA 98363
Log Cabin Resort
3183 East Beach Road
Port Angeles, WA 98363
Hurricane Ridge
3002 Mount Angeles Road
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Pinnacles National Park – California
What not to miss: High Peaks Trail is a hike that is highly recommended.
Where to buy mugs:
Pinnacles Visitor Center on the east side and the Visitor Contact Station on the west side.
And mugs are also available online through Western National Parks Association.
Redwood National and State Parks – California
What not to miss: Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway for unbelievable views of coast redwoods, the world’s tallest trees!
Where to buy mugs: Recently added February 7th, 2020 – we are proud to partner with the Redwood Parks Conservancy. You can find their online store here.
Hiouchi Visitor Center
1600 Highway 199,
Crescent City, CA 95531
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Visitor Center (open seasonally May – September)
1440 Highway 199
Crescent City, CA 95531
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Visitor Center
127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic parkway
Orick, CA 95555
Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
119441 Highway 101
Orick CA 95555
Patricks Point State Park Visitor Center
4150 Patrick’s Point Drive
Trinidad, CA 95570
Crescent City Information Center
1111 Second Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
Sequoia National Park – California
What not to miss: General Sherman Tree – Worlds’ Largest Living Tree.
Where to buy mugs: Purchase them on the online Store here
Foothills Visitor Center
47050 Generals Highway
Ash Meadow
Sequoia National Park
Lodgepole Visitor Center
63100 Lodgepole Rd
Sequoia National Park, CA 93262
Yosemite National Park – California
What not to miss: Half Dome and El Capitan
Where to buy mugs: Mugs available from Yosemite Conservancy online here.
Valley Visitor Center
9035 Village Drive
YNP, CA 95389
Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio
8308 Wawona Road
Fishcamp, CA 93623
Big Oak Flat Information Center
Hwy. 120, North West Entrance
YNP, CA 95389
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
Hwy. 120
YNP, CA 95389
Mariposa Grove Depot
9219 Wawona Rd.
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Acadia National Park – Maine
What not to miss: As a very car-friendly park, Acadia is very accessible for everyone — especially if you drive along the Park Loop Road. If you’re looking to hike, Cadillac Mountain is the place to be!
Where to Buy Mugs: Ask at the Visitor Center when Deneen Mugs will be available.
Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
What not to miss: Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Trail both run through the entire length of the park, with hiking trails that pass scenic overlooks of the Shenandoah River.
Where to Buy Mugs: Ask at the Visitor Center when Deneen Mugs will be available.
The Southeast National Park system has plenty more to offer. For those who wish to snorkel, the Southeast Region is the place to be. But that’s not all there is to do here, as you’ll also discover historical forts, the worlds longest cave, and more in this part of the country.
Biscayne National Park – Florida
What not to miss: Scuba diving/snorkeling of course!
Where to Buy Mugs: Ask at the Visitor Center when Deneen Mugs will be available.
Dry Tortugas National Park – Florida
What not to miss: Take a tour of Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era fort that is the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Where to Buy Mugs: Ask at the Visitor Center when Deneen Mugs will be available.
Congaree National Park – South Carolina
What not to miss:A stroll through the Boardwalk Liip will allow you to walk through the swamp without getting dirty.
Where to Buy Mugs: Ask at the Visitor Center when Deneen Mugs will be available.
Everglades National Park – Florida
What not to miss: Shark Valley is one of the highest rated attractions and you’re sure to spot some alligators there.
Where to Buy Mugs: Starting November 2020
Flamingo Visitor Center
1 Flamingo Lodge Highway
Homestead, FL 33034
Mammoth Cave National Park – Kentucky
What not to miss: In addition to being the longest cave in the world with over 400+ miles, there are also 80 miles of above ground hiking trails to explore.
Where to Buy Mugs: Currently available in our online mug store: https://deneenpotterymugs.com/
Virgin Islands National Park – U.S. Virgin Islands
What not to miss: Snorkeling in the Virgin Islands is a can’t miss experience.
Where to Buy Mugs: Ask at the Visitor Center when Deneen Mugs will be available.
The Importance of Sustainability in Business
We love National Parks. They offer so much more than just picture-esque views.
They also offer folks, young and old alike, to learn about this planet, as well as experience nature in the way it was meant to be: on its own and secluded from man-made objects and structures.
Without the conservation efforts set forth by the National Park system, many of these lands and the animals that inhabit them would be gone, bulldozed over and replaced with houses.
But even though we have these magnificent and protected lands, we are still far from perfect when it comes to coexisting with nature.
That doesn’t mean we can’t improve though.
Here at Deneen Pottery, we are passionate about making sure we run our business as eco-friendly as possible. That’s why our commitment when it comes to our operations is, “Leave It Better Than We Found It.”
But we don’t greenwash. We actually back-up the talk. In 2017, we worked with All Energy Solar to bring 399 solar panels on top of our historic brick building, and all of our 15 kilns are electric.
Incorporating more green energy into our operations was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We encourage other business, big and small, to continue to look for ways to conduct their operations in a sustainable, eco-friendly manner.
