When Google Maps Gets It Dangerously Wrong
A group of hikers set out to explore British Columbia, a Canadian province famous for its forests and mountains, using Google Maps as their guide. They planned their route using the app and set off on the Howe Sound Crest Trail, a path already known among hikers for being particularly tough.
Google Maps split their journey into two segments: one at 2 hours and 55 minutes, the next at 2 hours and 18 minutes, for a total of 5 hours and 13 minutes. That seemed doable—so they started the hike.
The reality was very different. Traversing this demanding trail actually takes between 12 and 14 hours on foot—almost triple what the app said. While Google Maps displayed a small warning that walking routes “may not reflect real-world conditions on the ground,” the hikers reportedly paid little attention to it.
Rescue Teams Step In
Prepared with printed routes from the app, the group began the Howe Sound Crest Trail. Their journey turned out to be much longer and more complicated than anticipated, ultimately requiring rescue intervention on the trail.
According to the Lions Bay Search and Rescue (SAR) team on Facebook,
“This section is nearly 11 miles, with more than 4,265 feet of elevation gain, demanding alpine terrain, challenging route finding, some easy climbing sections, unstable rocks, and countless ascents and descents—all factors that Google does not take into account.”
Seasoned hikers familiar with the Howe Sound Crest Trail describe it as highly technical and exhausting. Some stretches require having ropes and chains to descend steep rocky portions. Most hiking groups take between one and three days—including camping stops—to cover the area safely. Canadian authorities have advised that this trail is best for experienced, self-sufficient hikers capable of navigating difficult conditions, such as fog or storms, without technological assistance.
Why Google Maps is the Wrong Tool for Hikers
Rescuers caution that planning a hike with Google Maps can lead to dangerous miscalculations. The app’s incorrect timing can result in hikers choosing the wrong start time, packing too little food and water, and bringing insufficient gear if an unexpected overnight stay is needed. In this case, the hikers were not prepared for what they encountered.
“If Google Maps tells you a hike will take five hours when it’s actually a 12- to 14-hour alpine challenge, every choice you make—from what time to start to how much food and water to bring—is impacted. That’s why we often have to rescue hikers who are tired, caught out after dark, injured, or simply unable to finish safely,”
as explained by Lions Bay Search and Rescue.
Google Maps does not show true elevation gain, does not identify sections that require scrambling or climbing, and does not indicate current trail conditions like snow or rockfalls. It also does not estimate time based on rugged mountain terrain. Experts repeat: it is not the right tool for planning a safe wilderness hike.
“Don’t let Google Maps convince you that a demanding hike is just a simple afternoon walk,”
as Lions Bay SAR put it.
Safer Alternatives and Previous Google Maps Mishaps
Rescue teams recommend specialized hiking apps, such as AllTrails, Visorando, or MaRando (the official app of the French Hiking Federation), for more accurate information and route planning.
The Howe Sound Crest Trail incident is not unique. In 2023, near Mount Fromme in Canada, rescue teams were called out twice because Google Maps showed a trail that did not exist. After a petition, Google removed the phantom path from the app. A similar event occurred in Scotland near Ben Nevis in 2021, where Google Maps sent visitors onto extremely technical trails that even seasoned climbers would hesitate to attempt.
So, before you rely on your smartphone’s map app for your next hiking adventure, remember: while Google Maps might be great for city streets, it’s not equipped for the realities of challenging backcountry trails.
