Julian Almaraz passed away on February 22, 2005. He had been a PCTA Area Coordinator for the past six years and is a fondly-remembered Trail Gorilla. As an Area Coordinator, Julian covered the PCT from Walker Pass to Kennedy Meadows and was, in fact, a one-man trail crew, spending many days each year out on his section of the trail. Alone or with Southern California Regional Coordinator Pete Fish, Julian made sure the trail was clear and in good hiking and riding condition. In addition to performing trail maintenance, Julian also performed trail magic – helping numerous hikers and equestrians during their PCT journeys, including Laraine Downer, Melouise Pfeffer, Tom Marshall, George Boone, and Harriet von Alhier.
On the trail and off, Julian was an effective spokesman for the PCTA in the Ridgecrest, Calif., area. He shared his enthusiasm for the trail with his friends and family. This is evident as the PCTA was designated by the Almaraz family as the recipient of donations in Julian’s honor. The Indian Wells Valley Chapter #748 veteran’s group of Ridgecrest has been among those generously responding.