Camelback Mountain, a 2,704-foot peak that bears a remarkable resemblance to a kneeling camel, is one of Phoenix's most visible and cherished landmarks. From the city's earliest days, Camelback has been a magnet for promoters and developers, drawing Phoenix's most colorful characters to it either for profit or rest. However, these modern dreamers were not the first to come under Camelback's spell. Many centuries ago, the earliest known inhabitants of the area made the mountain a sacred place. Today, most hikers are unaware of the rich history that surrounds them as they explore the natural beauty of Camelback Mountain. Enjoy the rich history of Arizona’s Camelback Mountain in this collection of 15 historic black-and-white postcards.
Author and Arizona native Gary Driggs played a key role in preserving public access to Camelback Mountain for the more than 300,000 people who climb the 1.2-mile trail to the summit each year. In this volume, Driggs has gathered more than 200 images—from such sources as the Arizona Historical Foundation, the Hayden Collection at Arizona State University, and his own private collection—to illustrate the players and events, the plant and animal life, and the geology that have made this landmark such an important part of the history of Phoenix as well as an ecological treasure.