Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online.
A Reason to Get Outdoors
Geocaching combines technology with outdoor adventure and is a great way to explore locations near and far. Pair geocaching with camping, hiking, biking, boating or any number of activities for an even more enjoyable experience.
Location
There are geocaches on every continent, from Antarctica to North America. They may be at your local park, the end of a long hike, underwater, or on the side of a city street.
The Treasuse
In its simplest form, a geocache contains a logbook or logsheet for you to sign. Caches may also contain items for trade, but the journey in discovering a geocache is often the greatest reward.
A Global Community
People from all age groups can participate in geocaching, including families with children, students, adults and retirees. Geocaching is a great way to bring friends and family together while having fun outdoors.
Geocaching Basics
Before you go
- Learn how to operate your GPS device and bring extra batteries.
- Select a geocache with terrain and difficulty ratings that will meet your goals. A (1/1) is easiest, a (5/5) the most difficult.
- Read the geocache description and don’t forget the hints. It is also a good idea to bring a map.
- Remember that a geocache can take longer to find depending on environmental obstacles.
- Pack any needed supplies such as water, food and extra clothing.
- Invite friends and family with you; sharing the experience can be very rewarding.
- Let someone else know where you are going.
On your way
- Mark your car or a trailhead as a waypoint to ensure your safe return.
- Rely on your eyes rather than your GPS device within 50 feet of the geocache location.
- Remember, geocaches are hidden in plain sight and never buried, but they are often very cleverly camouflaged.
After the find
- Sign the cache logbook.
- Leave the cache as you found it (hidden, of course).
- Share your geocaching stories and photos online at Geocaching.com.
Types of Geocaches
Traditional
The original geocache type consisting of, at minimum, a container and a logbook. Coordinates listed on a traditional cache page give the cache’s exact location.
Multi-cache
A Multi-Cache involves two or more locations. Hints found at the initial location(s) lead to the final geocache, which is a physical container.
Mystery or Puzzle Caches
Mystery or Puzzle Caches can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine the coordinates of the cache.
Event Cache
A geocaching event organized by local geocachers or geocaching organizations in the interest of discussing geocaching. Coordinates on the cache page indicate event location.