California cops rescue stranded hikers who used AI for climbing trip

Trio relied heavily on Google's Gemini for info about route as well as what to pack

Published Sep 04, 2026  •  Last updated 12 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Three young hikers who used AI for information about a climb at a Northern California mountain became stranded and needed help from police and park rangers. Photo by Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office /Facebook

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source

Article content

Artificial intelligence appears to have failed three “novice” hikers on a climbing trip in Northern California last weekend.

Article content

Article content

The trio became stranded on a climbing route at Mount Shasta, about 350 km north of the capital Sacramento, and called local police for directions.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook this week that the young men from Roseville made camp at approximately 8,400 feet (2,560 metres) last Saturday then departed with daypacks for the mountain’s summit at 3 a.m. on Sunday.

The group summited at 7 p.m., which was well after the recommended turnaround time of 12 p.m., police said, and descended in the dark. An hour later, they called cops for directions but wandered off the trail.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

Hiker injured knee during descent

The trek was made worse after one of the hikers fell and injured his knee during the descent.

“The group became stranded in Mud Creek Canyon, and were forced to bivouac (temporary shelter) in the steep drainage until they were met the following morning by the USFS Climbing Rangers,” the sheriff’s office said.

Article content

“Medical aid was provided, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Volunteers were deployed to assist.”

Police said all three hikers and rescue teams returned to the trailhead without incident.

Three young hikers who used AI for information about a climb at a Northern California mountain became stranded and needed help from police and park rangers. Photo by Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office /Facebook

Group relied heavily on AI

However, cops soon learned why the beginner climbers were so ill prepared for their journey, explaining they relied heavily on Google’s Gemini AI for information about the route as well as what to pack for the trip.

“This was a critical misstep, as they were advised by Gemini to bring far less food and water than their group required, especially when their planned eight-hour ascent became a multi-day ordeal,” police said.

“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.”

Police advised climbers to also have multiple methods of wayfinding and not simply rely on a cellphone or GPS apps, as well as to stop often to verify that you are on the correct route.

“While the Clear Creek Route on Mount Shasta is not a technical mountaineering route, it still requires climbers to be physically fit and prepared for unforeseen circumstances, such as an injury, inclement weather or unplanned overnight stay,” police said.

“Serious accidents and fatalities occur on the Clear Creek route when individuals become lost and wander into more dangerous terrain, such as the Mud Creek drainage.”

Article content