The early leaders made their trip to Missouri across land, accomplished what they set out to do and dedicated the land. A few found things so underwhelming that they left the Church, thinking they have been duped.
The leaders decided that a river journey back was the best option until a sawyer tried to tip the group over and Joseph Smith ordered everybody back on land for the journey back. Needless to say, they know the best way to Zion and the best way back.
