Apparently, Limhi's people were not initially able to travel directly on the route leading to the land of Zarahemla. In coming to the land of Lehi-Nephi, Ammon stopped at a hill north of Shilom (Mosiah 7:5). If that hill marked the route, then we might presume that the escaping group had that hill as a goal, and possibly the Lamanite army was in the way. To resolve this problem, it says in Mosiah 22:11 that the Limhi group "did depart by night into the wilderness" (apparently by the "back pass" toward the west) and "went round about the land of Shilom in the wilderness, and bent their course [apparently northward] towards the land of Zarahemla" (which course was marked by the hill north of Shilom). (See Illustration) [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]
Mosiah 22:1-13 Ammon and Limhi escape from Lehi-Nephi to Zarahemla. ([Illustration]) [John L. Sorenson]
Geographical [Theory Map]: Mosiah 22:1-13 Ammon and Limhi Escape from Lehi-Nephi to Zarahemla (Year 480)