Desert trails are deceptive and can change drastically depending on the season and weather. A flat arroyo trail can turn into a deadly flood and a road can become undrivable with a little dust storm. Add to that baking heat, no water and drastic day/night temperature fluctuations and you have an environment that can go from safe to deadly rapidly. Canyonlands is an amazing park but not for the unprepared. Hell, a busted tire on the highways out there can lead to heat stroke. Most environments don't kill you in a few hours but the desert can. Glad you guys made it out safe, I've found myself in similar situations. Still love Canyonlands but I recommend most people do the short hikes and driving tour and let the capable seek out the more difficult trails for themselves.