Camelback Mountain

by Gary Driggs

Overview

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. But 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738548401
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	03/31/2008
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.31(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     6
Introduction     7
A Camel is Born     9
A Sacred Mountain     23
Almost a Reservation     27
The Arizona Canal and Early Development around Camelback     35
Urbanization of Camelback Mountain     55
Save Camelback Mountain Movement     93
Hiking Camelback     101
Climbing Camelback     111
About the Author     127