September 8, 2026, 9:30 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Three men plan their tour to a mountain over 4,000 meters high using Google Gemini, but the AI-guided trip ends with a rescue operation. Dangerous route suggestions from chatbots are also causing problems in the Alps.
Three young men planned a tour on Mount Shasta in California with Google Gemini. According to the local sheriff, the group set out at 3 a.m. Hikers are advised to turn back if they don’t reach the summit by noon. However, the men continued their ascent and only reached the top around 7 p.m.
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During the descent, the group ran into trouble in the dark. The hikers called the sheriff’s office for directions. They eventually spent the night in Mud Creek Canyon. U.S. Forest Service staff and volunteers brought the three men to safety the following morning.
Gemini recommended too little provision
According to the sheriff, Google Gemini advised the group to take significantly less food and water than needed for the tour. This turned the planned eight-hour ascent into a multi-day mountain adventure. Whether the chatbot was responsible for all the poor decisions is unclear from the available information. Nonetheless, the authorities warn against planning a tour solely with artificial intelligence.
Before setting out, hikers should contact the local ranger station. There, they can get up-to-date information on the route and potential dangers. While AI chatbots can provide initial suggestions during preparation, they do not necessarily account for actual conditions on the ground. Weather changes or the state of a trail can be crucial for safety.
AI hiking routes are also dangerous in the Alps
A similar incident occurred in South Tyrol. As “Focus Online” reported, a group of young and athletic vacationers wanted to hike from Dorf Tirol through Martell to Lake Garda. An unspecified AI suggested a route over a glacier. It was only the accommodation hosts who recognized the danger and prevented the vacationers from taking the tour.
According to rescue station leader Stefan Gruber, the group was not equipped for a glacier crossing. The route was “completely unsuitable for inexperienced mountain hikers.” Gruber recommends consulting hosts or other local experts about current conditions. Anyone planning a tour with a chatbot should always cross-check its suggestions with official maps, warnings, and expert advice.