Zion National Park: A Place Worth Preserving, One Mug at a Time

There’s something about Zion National Park that stays with you long after you’ve left. Maybe it’s the massive red rock walls that seem to glow at sunrise, the winding Virgin River cutting through the canyon, or the feeling of peace that settles over you as you stand in silence beneath the towering cliffs. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Zion has a way of pulling you in, and making you want to return.

At Deneen Pottery, our relationship with Zion is personal. Not only do we create handcrafted mugs inspired by the park’s beauty, but we also support its protection, because places like Zion deserve more than admiration; they deserve our care.

A Natural Wonder of the American Southwest

Zion National Park, located in the southwest corner of Utah, is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. With over 229 square miles of protected wilderness, the park is best known for its deep sandstone canyons, scenic hiking trails, and stunning geological formations that date back millions of years.

Visitors from all over the world come to hike iconic trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows, drive the scenic Zion Canyon route, and explore the park’s vast network of slot canyons and high plateaus. But Zion is more than just a beautiful destination, it’s an ecological treasure home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, and a place of cultural significance with deep roots in Native American history.

Having visited Zion National Park myself, I can say without hesitation, it’s a place everyone should experience at least once.

I’ll never forget the moment I drove through Zion Canyon, the towering cliffs rising on either side of the road. Almost instantly, a profound sense of calm washed over me, mixed with that unmistakable feeling of insignificance in the face of something so vast and timeless. Leave it to a national park to remind you of your place in the world, and to deepen your appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us. It’s no surprise that this incredible landscape became Utah’s first national park back in 1919.

Helping Zion Thrive: The Zion Forever Project

Protecting a place as popular and beloved as Zion comes with challenges. That’s where the Zion Forever Project steps in. As the official nonprofit partner of Zion National Park, the Zion Forever Project plays a critical role in supporting preservation, education, and research initiatives throughout the park.

From maintaining and improving trails to funding ranger-led educational programs, the Zion Forever Project works closely with park staff and community partners to ensure Zion remains accessible, resilient, and inspiring for generations to come.

Their work is guided by the park’s highest priority needs, which means funds go where they are needed most. These efforts include improving visitor safety, enhancing learning opportunities, restoring wildlife habitats, and supporting cultural preservation. Every project is a step toward keeping Zion not only protected but thriving.

You can learn more about their work at zionpark.org.

A Partnership Built on Shared Vision

In 2019, we had the chance to speak with Jill Burt, Director of Operations and Retail for Zion National Park. Her insights into the partnership between Deneen Pottery and the Zion Forever Project reminded us why we do what we do.

“From day one of meeting the Deneen team we understood their business model is dedicated to quality, customer service and finding the perfect blend of design and function. Their approach fits nicely into our scope and vision.”
— Jill Burt, Zion Forever Project

Jill and her team have built something truly special. The Zion Forever Project isn’t just about selling souvenirs—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting connections between visitors and the park. Every product in their stores is carefully selected to reflect Zion’s unique spirit, and we’re honored that our mugs are a part of that story.

“There has never been a moment that we have not thought of our Deneen friends as part of our own team, working diligently to help us be successful year over year.”

Today, our mugs can be found in multiple Zion park stores, each featuring a custom medallion design that captures the essence of the park. Jill shared with us that visitors often come in asking for the mugs by name—a testament not only to the craftsmanship, but to the deep connection people feel to the places they’ve explored.

A Mug with a Mission

At Deneen Pottery, we’ve partnered with the National Park Service to create handcrafted mugs that celebrate America’s most treasured landscapes. Our Zion National Park mug is one of our favorites, featuring a beautiful ceramic design that captures the spirit of the canyon.

But these mugs do more than look beautiful on a shelf. With every National Park mug sold on deneenpotterymugs.com, 10% of the sale goes directly back to supporting national parks. That means your morning coffee can help fund trail maintenance, conservation efforts, and educational outreach across the park system.

It’s a small but meaningful way to give back to the places that give us so much.

How You Can Make a Difference

You don’t have to be a park ranger or a conservation scientist to make an impact. Supporting our national parks is something anyone can do. Here are a few easy ways to get involved:

• Buy a Mug: Every Deneen Pottery National Park mug purchase gives back 10% to support public lands.
• Visit ZionPark.org: Learn more about how the Zion Forever Project is making a difference and consider donating directly.
• Explore NPCA.org: The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) advocates on behalf of parks across the country. You can join their efforts to protect public lands and stay informed on national policy affecting parks.

A Lasting Connection

The next time you hold your Zion National Park mug in your hands, we hope you’ll remember what it represents—not just a place you visited, but a place you helped protect.

These parks belong to all of us. Their future depends on how we choose to care for them today.

So whether you’re sipping coffee at home or planning your next adventure, know that you’re part of a community that believes in preservation, connection, and craftsmanship that gives back.

Shop National Park mugs at deneenpotterymugs.com and help support the parks you love.
Together, we can keep Zion—and all our national parks—thriving for generations to come.