I had similar experience.  Top area had some snow where I had to follow my tracks back... but came to a frozen area where I couldn't see my recent tracks.  Trail was still 3-5 feet below snow.  There were tracks all over - from other hikers days before. I didn't pick up the ribbons going down.  I followed wrong tracks which petered out into the woods.  I knew I had stay near "ridge line" and try to pick up the ribbons.  But, the ridge line was very wide and broad.  In the dimming light, overcast day, and light fog, the ridge line was never found.  Once it became dark and the terrain was steep and dangerous (almost cliff-like), I knew I had to stop for the night.  I had light sleeping bag, small mattress pad and space blanket.  My cell phone worked a couple of times and then quit for good once it became too wet.  So I toughed it out till noon when search plane spotted me and sent someone to lead me out.  Climbing - up you will always know where to go.  Going down, you end up anywhere!