The tree on the mountain predates Cressey’s arrival in Arizona in 2010. He said he came across it while hiking Camelback one day and it helped him through a lonely time in a new city.

Another holiday tradition is underway. An intrepid group of volunteers, including John “ Camelback Santa ” Cressey, have placed a Christmas tree atop Camelback Mountain in Phoenix.

The winner: Suzy Patternson, Coaldale: Your rainbow-bright tree is on the “S” Mountain overlooking Salida. The work of art is a standing-dead tree painted in bright colors and created by ...