The second hiding theme of 2026 is hiking and nature. This theme covers hiking routes in natural areas, suitable for all experience levels. From beginner-friendly trails to more challenging hikes, we are looking for geocaches across a range of outdoor experiences.

Each quarter, we will introduce a new hiding theme to celebrate geocaches published in 2026. We will also feature geocaches from each theme on the Geocaching Blog and social media.

💡 Examples to inspire:

• Nature-inspired containers disguised as rocks, logs, or pinecones
• Cleverly disguised ammo can hidden in the woods
• Geocache hanging high in a tree that requires climbing to reach
• Geocache tucked inside a hollow tree stump

✨ More inspiration:

Ways to participate:

• Hide a geocache in a hiking or nature area from May 1 to June 30, 2026. Submit your geocache using this form.
• Find a geocache hidden in an extreme way or a nature area during May 1 to June 30, 2026. Submit your find using this form.
• 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.

There are countless possibilities for what you can attach a container to, place a container under, or use to make a geocache. Use your creativity—many geocaches fit these criteria, but be sure to follow the geocache hiding guidelines.

Geocaching is universal, but laws are local—help protect the game and yourself by following all applicable laws when hiding a geocache.

Check out Shop Geocaching to find items to help craft your on-theme geocaches.

We can’t wait to see the creative geocaches you share this quarter!