Tylor “Cookbook” Harris thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2024. His journey was one of courage, kindness, and perseverance.

After reaching the northern terminus, Tylor passed away unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism caused by undetected blood clots.

Trail for Life was born in his memory — carrying forward his spirit and determination by helping hikers and raising awareness of blood clots so that others may be spared the same loss.

Awareness

  • What is DVT? A blood clot in a deep vein, often in the legs.

  • What is PE? When part of a clot breaks free and travels to the lungs.

  • Why It Matters: Thousands of lives are lost each year, often without warning.

Symptoms & Risks

  • DVT: swelling, pain, warmth, redness (usually one leg).

  • PE: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, coughing blood.

Prevention Tips

  • Stay active, hydrate, avoid long immobility, and seek medical care early.

  • Learn more: National Blood Clot Alliance, stoptheclot.org

What is Trail Magic?

  • Trail magic is anything that lifts a hiker’s spirits, eases their journey, or helps them through a tough stretch.

  • The people who provide it are often called “trail angels.”

Common Examples

  • Food & Drinks: Coolers left by the trail with sodas, fruit, or snacks.

  • Rides: Getting a lift into a nearby town for supplies.

  • Hospitality: Someone offering a meal, shower, laundry, or even a place to sleep.

  • Gear Help: Extra fuel, socks, or a replacement item given when a hiker is in need.

    Encouragement: Even a few kind words from a stranger can count as trail magic.

Spirit of Trail Magic

  • It’s rooted in the hiker community’s culture of generosity and gratitude.

  • Trail angels don’t expect repayment; the idea is that kindness will be “paid forward” someday.

  • For many PCT hikers, trail magic is a memorable and emotional part of the journey, especially in difficult stretches like the desert of Southern California or the snowy Sierra Nevada.

What is Trail Magic to:

Eric Moeller AKA “Pepper”

“Trail magic is kind of an incredible feeling. When you’re on the trail it feels a little solitary, there’s not always a whole lot of people around. So when you come around a bend or get to a parking lot or a highway somewhere and there are people sitting there waiting for you with hot food and cold drinks, it really means a lot. It shows you that there are some people out there who really respect the kind of person you are and what you’re doing enough to go out of their way and spend their own personal hard earned money to make your day a little bit more enjoyable. And that kind of charity is really what the trail is about, it’s about helping each other get along in any way possible and learning to accept and enjoy the help of others.”

Pictures from Trail Magic September 2025 in honor of Cookbook’s Birthday! (Dirtnap, Skittle, Redberry, Pepper)

Watch this great video for more Trail Magic info!

What is Trail Magic to:

Christopher Moeller AKA “Dirtnap”

“Trail magic is a pleasant surprise. It’s community, healing, and rest. It’s called trail magic because it’s unbelievable. It magically appears. Trail food is usually not very good. So when I come across trail Magic I’m excited to get a soda, beer, or real food like, fruit, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc. A warm delicious meal with friends rejuvenates the mind and body. Trail Magic is even better when you are unaware of it. Sometimes it’s posted in Navigation Apps, but I prefer to hobble into trail magic unaware. It’s ore fun that way! The best part is meeting kind and generous folks from all over, who are not expecting any compensation, but merely want to help you achieve your hiking goals by providing sustenance and sometimes a ride to town! Hosting trail magic feels even better than finding it. Meeting kind and interesting people from all walks of life. From waiters, to pilots, to engineers, to healthcare workers, and so on. I now know two thru-hikers that work in Antarctica! Charity is one of humanity’s greatest strengths, and that is trail magic!”