Google Maps Fails Hikers in Wilderness, Search Teams Warn

Search-and-rescue crews in Colorado are warning hikers about the dangers of relying on Google Maps for wilderness navigation. The app, designed for everyday road travel, can lead hikers onto routes they may not be able to finish.

In July, two separate incidents prompted warnings from rescuers after hikers used Google Maps to plan difficult backcountry outings. On the Howe Sound Trail in British Columbia, three teenage hikers were airlifted out after a rescue team was called due to their underestimation of the route's difficulty and lack of preparation.

The app's estimates for travel time can be misleading because it doesn't account for features like talus, poor tread, steep switchbacks, or scrambling that can slow hikers down. Hikers who rely on Google Maps may end up without enough water or safety gear, leading to trouble after dark.