Hikers Blame Gemini Chatbot for Getting Them Lost on Mount Shasta

A group of three hikers who got lost on Mount Shasta in Northern California are blaming Google's Gemini AI chatbot for providing them with bad advice. The men used Gemini to plan their hike, but the chatbot allegedly downplayed the difficulties of the climb and advised them to bring less food and water than they needed.

As a result, the hikers found themselves descending from the summit at night, against local guidelines. They eventually wandered off-route into the Mud Creek Canyon, where one member of the group fell and sustained a knee injury.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office had to rescue the hikers, who were forced to bivouac in the canyon overnight before being met by USFS Climbing Rangers the following morning. The sheriff's office is warning the public against relying solely on AI chatbots for travel advice.

Google has announced a multi-year deal with YouTube star MrBeast to feature and use Gemini in his upcoming outdoor adventures, including those involving survival in harsh environments.