There's something about being in a place like that that puts you (or at least me) in a state of heightened awareness. Almost like a low level of adrenaline. The stakes are just much higher than other back countries I've been in. In the Tetons you might listen for bears at night, or in the cascades I watch my step carefully and pay attention not to get lost. When I whitewater kayak you focus on the river closely but when out in the open desert like that it's a prolonged sense of stakes and foreboding. Constantly tracking your water intake and whether you're overheating, watching for shady spots in case you bust a tire or roll an ankle. The realization that if something goes wrong it's going to be hours and there's no nice wood to make a fire or stream to bunker down next to adds an isolating but freeing sense of consequences to the experience.

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.