Google Maps Fails Hikers in British Columbia's Howe Sound Crest Trail

Three teenagers in British Columbia's Howe Sound Crest Trail were stranded after Google Maps estimated their 18-mile alpine trek with 6,000 feet of elevation gain as a simple five-hour walk.

The app failed to account for the technical nature of the path and the potential weather shifts, leading to a 12-hour rescue operation.

Rangers are warning that digital miscalculations are becoming a primary wilderness hazard, and travelers should understand why these tools fail before embarking on any adventure.