Discovery Series Ornament – Yosemite

I have been chasing this hard-to-find ornament for a while now. Fingers crossed it joins my collection soon.

The Discovery Series Ornament Yosemite brings together several of the park’s most recognizable natural attractions despite its compact size. While the full-sized mug has room for a broader collection of landmarks, the ornament focuses on Yosemite’s rugged wilderness, outdoor recreation, and native wildlife. It captures the spirit of one of America’s oldest and most beloved national parks.

– Yosemite Falls dominates the right side of the ornament. With a total drop of 2,425 feet, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Fed by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada, the falls are at their most spectacular during late spring, when millions of gallons of water thunder down the granite cliffs into Yosemite Valley.

– Rainbow trout swims above the park’s name, representing the rivers and streams that flow through Yosemite. Several trout species inhabit the park’s waters, making fishing a popular activity in designated areas. The fish also serves as a reminder of the healthy mountain ecosystems sustained by the park’s pristine waterways.

– Blackberries appear beneath the park’s name, adding a touch of Yosemite’s rich plant life. While visitors can find wild berries growing throughout parts of the park during the summer months, they also provide food for many native birds and mammals that inhabit Yosemite’s forests.

– Camping is illustrated on the back of the design with a small campground nestled among towering pine trees. Spending a night beneath the stars has been part of the Yosemite experience for generations, allowing visitors to enjoy peaceful evenings surrounded by some of California’s most breathtaking scenery.

– Rock climbing is represented by the climbing rope coiled in the foreground. Yosemite is considered the birthplace of modern big-wall climbing, with legendary routes on granite formations such as El Capitan attracting climbers from around the world. The park continues to be one of the world’s premier climbing destinations.

– Birdlife is represented by two small songbirds perched above the campsite. Yosemite is home to more than 250 bird species, ranging from colorful mountain songbirds to majestic birds of prey. Their songs are a familiar sound throughout the park’s forests and meadows.

– Hiking rounds out the design with a backpacker carrying trekking poles beside the Yosemite name. More than 800 miles of trails lead visitors through alpine meadows, giant sequoia groves, waterfalls, and dramatic granite landscapes. Whether exploring an easy valley trail or tackling a strenuous backcountry route, hiking remains one of the best ways to experience everything Yosemite has to offer.