Obviously msmith can use a computer, as he posted here. There are myriad websites and online trip reports that list this hike (in addition to the aforementioned guide books). ALL say basically the same thing; that is, swimming, pools, cold water, pour-overs, slick rocks, slow-going, etc. (BTW - certainly no place for a DOG - shame on you) A guide book cannot get someone 'lost' - the person(s) get lost. Did you have a map and compass (and know how to read them)? Next time be prepared.

Thanks, msmith. What book did you use? Inquiring minds want to know...

Thanks, msmith. What book did you use? Inquiring minds want to know...

"The book that is in question was never mentioned in this article." "The book that we had said that we could do this hike all the way till November, said that it would take 1 to 2 days, a 16 hour hike, and it said that there would be some swimming holes, bolder hopping and some climbing". OK then, which book was it? Canyoneering Arizona says to do the hike from June to September. Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau says do the hike only in hot weather with temperatures of 86-95F or warmer. Todds Desert Hiking Guide says to do the hike when temperatures are very hot (above 100 F). Swimming is unavoidable. All three sources say that there is much swimming. If it wasn't one of these three sources, then which one was it? As far as there being "extreme rock climbing" along the route, that is absolutely absurbed. So is the statement that "not to mention the number of deep pools that required swimming and flotation of gear". Canyoneering Arizona says there are over a dozen swim holes with countless others to wade through. Under the difficulty section it also says "climbing, swimming, extensive boulderhopping". Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau book says that there are 32 deep pools, 23 of which you must swim. " Todds Desert Hiking Guide says the following: This hike may be completed as a 2-3 day loop trip, a 1-2 day through trip with a car shuttle or as an out and back trip from the bottom. Either way, your path will lead your through a Coconino sandstone canyon with swimming, wading, bush whacking, climbing and rock hopping. Do the hike when temperatures are very hot (above 100 F). Keep all your critical gear in waterproof containers. Swimming is unavoidable. You will be soaked much of the time and can easily become chilled. A wet suit may be desirable during cooler weather or for skinny people. If it wasn't one of these three sources, then please state your source so others will know.

This is one of the hikers that got rescued. The book that is in question was never mentioned in this article. The guild book that we used said nothing about what some of you guys are saying. The book that we had said that we could do this hike all the way till November, said that it would take 1 to 2 days, a 16 hour hike, and it said that there would be some swimming holes, bolder hopping and some climbing. It also took us the wrong way. The hike that this book sent us on was far more harder then what the hike was supposed to be. So don't go saying that we are trying to put the blame one the guild book because we have no right to. We do. The book did not tell us everything left us, for the most part, in the dark.

The guidebook in question very clearly states that route requires swimming pools, hopping on slick rocks, and bushwacking for hours on end. Those that prepare for these types of adventures shouldn't train on Trail 100 and expect the same results.

This story is very misleading. Here are some quotes from the guidebooks covering this hike: "Do this hike in the summer with temperatures of 30C-35C (86-95F) or higher". "June to September". "there are 32 deep pools, 23 of which you must swim". "there are over a dozen swim holes with countless others to wade through" "climbing, swimming, extensive boulderhopping" Every single guidebook covering this hike warnes of the difficulties.

Easy to blame it on the guidebook. All three easily available sources make it clear this is a rugged, 2-day hike. Perhaps "experienced hikers" means something different than the plain english version - sounds like inexperienced backcountry hikers to me. Not sure if the hikers themselves blamed the guidebook, but the headline writer sure seized on the opportunity!

Someone from the guidebook company sure goofed. Glad this turned out good because it could have gone the other way if these couples weren't experienced and prepared as they were.

Send the rescue bill to the Guide Company.