As we begin 2026, we invite geocachers to bring their creative energy into the new year. Each hidden geocache creates an adventure and makes each finder an explorer.

Our goal is to inspire geocachers to hide and find caches that showcase creativity, innovation, and the sense of adventure that make geocaching special.

The 2026 themes:

Hidden in plain sight—urban edition 🫣
February 1 – March 31, 2026
Clever, camouflaged geocaches that blend into everyday urban surroundings.

Hiking and nature 🌲🍃
May 1 – June 30, 2026
Geocaches hidden along hiking routes and in natural areas, suitable for all experience levels. From creaky knees to the absolute extreme—we are looking for everything in between. Whether it’s your favorite nature walk or climbing route, we want to see it all.

Go go gadget! 🕹️🌊
August 1 – September 30, 2026
Interactive geocaches that invite finders to play or solve before signing the log. You may need codes, keys, magnets, electronics, or special tools to access the logbook.

Movie screens and animal themes 🍿🐸
November 1 – December 31, 2026
Share geocaches inspired by your favorite movie, show, or by animals that encourage your adventures.

How it works:

Themes are open to interpretation, giving you the freedom to explore and create boldly. Be sure to follow the geocache hiding guidelines. Every three months, we’ll feature geocaches from that quarter’s theme on the Geocaching Blog and social media.

The first theme: Hidden in plain sight: urban edition 🫣

Ways to participate:

• Hide a geocache in plain sight or in an urban area between February 1 and March 31, 2026. Look out for the submission form soon.
• Find a geocache hidden in plain sight or in an urban area during the same dates. Look out for the submission form soon.
• Share on Instagram and TikTok: Post your photos and videos and tag @geocaching. Use the hashtag #GeoHT26 for a chance to be featured on our Stories.

Want inspiration? Check out 2025’s Cache Hiding themes.

We can’t wait to see the creative caches you share this year!