Three inexperienced hikers who used artificial intelligence to map out a Mount Shasta climb in California found themselves trapped overnight in a steep canyon after their route veered into dangerous terrain, officials said.
After they were rescued, the three young men from Roseville told a Siskiyou County sheriff’s deputy they had leaned heavily on Google Gemini for guidance on both the hiking route and the gear they should bring.
That decision became a “critical misstep,” according to the sheriff’s office, because the AI tool allegedly recommended far less food and water than the group would need once their expected eight-hour climb turned into a multi-day survival situation.
The sheriff’s office warned that hikers have been seriously injured or killed after getting lost on Mount Shasta and drifting into hazardous areas, including the Mud Creek drainage. (Facebook/Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office)
The group first set up camp at roughly 8,400 feet on Saturday, Aug. 29, before leaving with daypacks at 3 a.m. Sunday in an attempt to reach the summit.
They did not reach the top until 7 p.m. — seven hours after the recommended noon turnaround time — leaving them to descend in the dark.
About an hour later, the hikers called the sheriff’s office for directions but eventually wandered off the Clear Creek Route and into Mud Creek Canyon.
One of the men later fell and injured his knee, stranding the group in the steep canyon overnight.
A view of Mount Shasta in California as rescuers made their way up to the stranded hikers. (Facebook/Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office)
U.S. Forest Service climbing rangers reached the hikers the next morning and treated the injured man. Siskiyou County Search and Rescue volunteers also were sent to help, and everyone made it back to the trailhead safely.
“It is always advisable to call the local USFS Mount Shasta Ranger Station ahead of your trip to ensure you have the most accurate information, and to never rely solely on AI for your trip planning,” the sheriff’s office said.
Climbers who have not reached the summit by noon should turn back, the sheriff’s office said, giving themselves — and rescuers, if needed — enough daylight to get off the mountain.
Rescuers reached the stranded hikers the following morning. All rescuers and the trio of hikers made it safely to the trailhead. (Facebook/Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office)
Hikers should also carry more than one way to navigate and regularly check that they are still on the correct route rather than depending on a cellphone or GPS device.
The Clear Creek Route does not require technical mountaineering, but hikers still need to be fit and prepared for injuries, bad weather or an unexpected night on the mountain, the sheriff’s office said.
Serious accidents and deaths have occurred when people became lost and wandered into more dangerous areas such as the Mud Creek drainage.