Rocky Mountain National Park Spotlight

At Deneen Pottery, every handcrafted mug tells a story—and few places inspire storytelling quite like Rocky Mountain National Park. This rugged and breathtaking stretch of the Colorado Rockies captures the hearts of millions every year, with its iconic peaks, shimmering alpine lakes, and meadows teeming with wildlife. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s something about Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) that sticks with you.

Covering over 415 square miles, this park is a showcase of nature’s grandeur. It’s home to over 300 miles of hiking trails, 147 lakes, and more than 60 mountain peaks rising above 12,000 feet. Among them stands Longs Peak, towering at 14,259 feet, one of Colorado’s famous “Fourteeners.” And winding its way across the Continental Divide is Trail Ridge Road—a stunning, sky-high drive that earns its title as the highest continuous paved road in the United States (NPS.gov).

Every inch of this landscape feels like a painting come to life, but RMNP isn’t just about jaw-dropping views. It’s also about stewardship, passion, and the dedicated work happening behind the scenes to preserve this beloved park for generations to come.

Protecting the Park, One Project at a Time

Since 1931, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy has been working hand-in-hand with the National Park Service to support and protect Rocky Mountain National Park. As the park’s official nonprofit partner, the Conservancy plays a vital role in funding programs that maintain trails, restore habitats, preserve historical sites, and educate visitors (Rocky Mountain Conservancy).

From rebuilding well-worn paths to replanting native vegetation, their projects ensure that the park can handle the millions of feet that wander its trails each year. Their Conservation Corps gives young people hands-on experience in land stewardship, and their educational programs help visitors understand the fragile beauty of the alpine tundra, the behavior of elk during rutting season, and why it’s so important to “leave no trace.”

We at Deneen Pottery are proud to collaborate with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to create something tangible—a handcrafted way to bring the spirit of the park home.

A Mug with a Mighty (and Adorable) Mascot

One of our most beloved creations is the Pika Mug, made exclusively for the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. This adorable design features a badge of RMNP’s official logo alongside a cheerful rendering of a pika, the impossibly cute, high-altitude critter who calls the park’s rocky slopes home. The mug is available only through the Conservancy’s store, and it’s become a fast favorite among park-goers and collectors alike. Grab yours here.

So what makes the pika so special?

These tiny mammals are part of the lagomorph family (relatives of rabbits and hares), and they live in rocky alpine talus fields above 11,000 feet. Unlike many mountain animals, pikas don’t hibernate. Instead, they spend the short summer months frantically gathering vegetation—grasses, flowers, and herbs—which they stack into “hay piles” to eat all winter long (NPS.gov).

 

Because they live only in cold, alpine environments, they’re especially sensitive to climate change. Rising temperatures threaten their survival, making them an important symbol of the conservation challenges facing our national parks (NPS.gov).

By purchasing a Pika Mug, you’re not just getting an adorable souvenir—you’re also contributing directly to the work being done to protect this keystone species and its fragile habitat.

Bears of the Rockies and a Mug That Gives Back

If the pika is the heart of RMNP, then the bear is surely its spirit animal. That’s why we love our Rocky Mountain Bear – Ramsey Mug, glazed in a rich Midnight with Moss White—a rugged tribute to the wild creatures that roam the forests and meadows of the Rockies. This mug features a bold bear silhouette and the official Rocky Mountain National Park badge, and you can find it right here in our online shop.

Each hand-thrown piece reflects the raw beauty and strength of the wilderness, capturing the essence of Rocky Mountain National Park in form and glaze.

And speaking of wild beauty—let’s talk about the bears. Black bears are the only species of bear found in the park, and despite their name, they come in many colors, including black, cinnamon, brown, and even blond (NPS.gov). They’re elusive by nature, preferring solitude and shadowy forest paths, but their presence is felt throughout the ecosystem.

During late summer and fall, these resourceful mammals enter hyperphagia, a period where they can consume up to 20,000 calories per day to prepare for winter hibernation. While they’re not often seen, the possibility of encountering one adds an undeniable sense of awe to any hike through the park.

When you bring home the Rocky Mountain Bear Mug, you’re doing more than adding a beautiful piece of handmade pottery to your collection—you’re giving back. 10% of each sale is donated to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, directly supporting programs that protect wildlife, preserve trails, and inspire future generations of stewards.

A Sip of the Wild

We believe that mugs are more than just vessels—they’re memory keepers. Every time you reach for one of our Rocky Mountain mugs, you’re transported: to a quiet trail near Bear Lake, a thunderstorm rolling over the Divide, or a herd of elk bugling through golden aspen groves in Moraine Park.

Our mugs are hand-thrown in Minnesota by skilled potters who care deeply about their craft. Every handle is pulled by hand. Every glaze is applied with care. And every medallion is affixed with the precision and love that comes from decades of practice.

We’re honored that our mugs have become part of so many people’s travel traditions—whether it’s picking one up after a life-changing hike or giving one to a loved one who dreams of standing under Colorado’s big, starry skies.

So here’s to Rocky Mountain National Park—its peaks, its pikas, its people. And here’s to the mugs that carry its spirit home, one handmade mug at a time.

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For those interested in learning more about and supporting national parks, the NPCA offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for involvement. Their work spans various regions, including the Midwest, and focuses on ensuring that national parks are protected for future generations.