Altadena Mountain Rescue Team training officer James Moussally, who was part of the ground search, described the group as "canyoneers" who start high up in the canyon and work their way down by rappelling.
The group started with plenty of daylight ahead but its size likely made for slow going, Moussally said.
"It's not something you want to rush through," he said "There is safety involved. You want to take your time. ... I think it's a matter of maybe they weren't quite prepared for it to take as long as it did."
Read more here:
http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/11/10/4227549_11-southern-california-hikers.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
