In Summary. Published:. 12:35 PM PDT · September 5, 2026. Google’s AI chatbot Gemini was used by three hikers who were rescued from California’s Mount Shasta, as stated in the Chicago Tribune. The hikers began their trek at 3am and, despite being instructed to turn back if they hadn’t reached the summit by noon, they made it to the top at 7pm. They attempted to descend in the dark, contacted the sheriff’s office for guidance, and spent the night in Mud Creek Canyon. They were rescued the following morning by Forest Service rangers and volunteers. Although it is uncertain whether Gemini is entirely responsible for the hikers’ poor decisions, the sheriff’s office mentioned that Gemini advised them to bring insufficient food and water, considering their planned 8-hour ascent turned into a multiday ordeal. “Before embarking on your journey, it’s highly recommended to contact the nearby USFS Mount Shasta ranger station to obtain the most up-to-date information, and not to solely depend on AI for your trip preparations,” the sheriff’s office advised.
