Google Gemini Error Leaves California Climbers Stranded on Mount Shasta
Three hikers were rescued from Mount Shasta after relying on Google Gemini's inaccurate advice for their climb. Officials warn against sole reliance on AI for trip planning.
More than 16 hours later, off course on their return and in the dark, the hikers called for help after one member sustained a serious knee injury. They were recovered the next morning by a team of sheriff's office staff, rescue volunteers and US Forest Service climbing rangers, having spent the night in a makeshift camp in Mud Creek Canyon.
The climbers set off at 3 a.m. expecting to reach the peak by 11 a.m., but they only made it to the top at 7 p.m. On the descent they went off-route into the canyon. One hiker had AllTrails on a phone, but the device died during the trip. "We relied too much on AI rather than our own critical thinking," the climbers told rangers, as reported by SFGate.
The Sheriff's Office advised climbers to call the local USFS Mount Shasta Ranger station before a trip to ensure accurate information and to never rely solely on AI for trip planning. They also stressed the importance of the 12 p.m. turnaround time for those attempting an ascent.