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 ...

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.