Three hikers have been rescued from California’s Mount Shasta after using Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence chatbot to help plan their expedition, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune.
The three men began their climb at about 3am but reached the summit at around 7pm, several hours after the recommended turnaround time for hikers who have not reached the top by noon.
They then attempted to descend the mountain in darkness before contacting the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
The hikers eventually spent the night in Mud Creek Canyon and were rescued the following morning by Forest Service rangers and volunteers.
According to a report from the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, Gemini had advised the group to carry substantially less food and water than they ultimately needed.
The planned eight-hour ascent subsequently turned into a multiday ordeal, leaving the hikers without adequate supplies for the extended trip.
The incident has highlighted concerns about relying on generative AI for safety-critical travel decisions, particularly in environments where conditions can change rapidly and local knowledge is essential.
The sheriff’s office said travellers should contact the local US Forest Service Mount Shasta Ranger Station before beginning similar expeditions to obtain the most accurate and current information.
“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 office said.
The incident does not establish that Gemini was solely responsible for the hikers’ decisions, but it underscores the limitations of AI-generated advice when used without verification from qualified local authorities.
