I think human error had just as much to do with this near disaster. While gps are great tools, those who use gps should be well acquainted with the functions and operation of their gps. Most gps will show expanded maps that may show that so called short cuts are dead end or even with broken lines that forest roads are not paved. A fast study of mapquest or highway maps before departing on any trips is always a good idea. I study my route online even though I have a great dash gps and evena better hunting/geocaching handheld so I have an idea of where I'm going and what direction I should be traveling.

I love my "SPOT" but I do have a 50 watt VHF capable of hitting every frequency from 138.00 MHz to 175.00 MHz and there is a lot of Private and Government repeaters I can hit!

Clay, did someone take out a large insurance policy on you , then program the GPS to make it look like an accident?

I always have a plan, even if I have a GPS, when travelling in unfamilar territory. I assume I may get turned around. I look for distinctive land marks to
orient by or do such things as only take the right forks on backwoods roads etc., mark intersections with flag tape / pile up some rocks / blaze a tree if I have no other choice etc. I also carry a survival kit with enough stuff to hopefully get me out of a pickle--food , water, blankets/ extra clothes/axe/ high liftjack /flashlight/ batteries/ spare tire/strong rope etc.etc.
I also refuse to try and find my way out if I'm lost
after dark-- better to stay put till daylight then to do something stupid like drive when you can't see that well-- things look a lot different when the sun goes down and
you might turn an uncomfortabe nite in your vehicle into something worst. Remember to stay calm and don't panic!!!

I dont understand how they didnt notice that they shouldn't be traveling on that road i'n just sayin.