I was all ready to criticise the hiker, then read the details.
The hiker did fuck up a fundamental - don't go down a path unless you know for sure you can do it. But it seems like at least in this case, the hiker wasn't looking for something above his abilities, just got misdirected. That's at least an actual accidental thing, unlike people who go out unprepared and with insufficient info.
Also, this hiker "had plenty of food and water". Kudos!
Also, never hike alone! (Glad his cell worked there, one reason I hike with radios - combo GMRS and HAM handheld - where I hike generally has GMRS repeaters in range).