Three hikers had to be rescued on California’s Mt. Shasta after planning their climb with the help of Google Gemini. According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, the chatbot told the group to pack less food and water than they actually needed. The climb ended up taking 16 hours—double their original eight-hour estimate.

How Things Unfolded

Because the summit push dragged on, the hikers started their descent after dark. One member injured a knee, the group lost their way, and they ended up spending the night in a canyon. The next morning, rescuers provided medical aid and guided them back to the trailhead.

What Authorities Said

The Sheriff’s Office stressed that hikers should always double-check information with local rangers and never rely solely on AI tools when planning routes and gear for the backcountry.

The Bigger Picture

The Mt. Shasta incident highlights the risks of blindly following automated advice for outdoor adventures. Decisions about supplies, water, and timing are critical for safety and should always be verified with local experts.