Geocaching is all about enjoying the journey, whether you’re chasing a certain challenge or just enjoying exploration of the world around you.

Some geocachers set specific goals like finding a certain number of caches, completing a grid, or focusing on a type or difficulty and terrain rating. Others take a more relaxed approach, finding caches when it’s convenient or to spend time outside with friends and family. Both approaches—and everything in between—are equally welcome. Whether you thrive on challenges or let the game unfold, what matters most is that your geocaching goals bring you joy in your own way.

Keep reading to learn how a few Geocaching HQ Lackeys approach setting geocaching goals.

“I’m very goal-oriented, so I am easily inspired when I hear about other geocachers’ goals or adventures—I end up adding them to my own list! So, if I’ve heard about it, I’m pretty much working on it!

At the start of each year, I choose a few to focus on: some that are very doable, and at least one that feels like a stretch.” – Jessie / jtcoffee  

“I choose my geocaching goals based on statistics. I love filling in the empty spaces in my stats on the website and app. I worked on filling in my calendar, and now I’m trying to fill in the D/T grid.

I am also motivated by souvenirs because I love the digital reminder of what I’ve accomplished!”   – Mackenzie / Phoenix48

“I set goals that are both challenging and attainable. This past year, my goal was to connect more with fellow geocachers. I enjoyed doing this by attending events and participating in CITOs.

My stretch goal was to attend a Mega event, and I’m excited to share that I achieved that – GCAH087 in Denmark!” – Laura / lolosmitty

“I primarily choose my geocaching goals based on grid challenges (like Jasmer and Fizzy), visiting new countries, states, and counties, earning souvenirs, and tracking obscure Project-GC stats like cache centroid.” – Adam / Captain_Cookie

“One of my goals is to find a traditional cache for each day of the year. For me, it was a reasonable, achievable goal for 2024.

I only have two days left!” – Tracy / WatermanHQ 

“Some local caching buddies encouraged me to add goals beyond Project-GC’s BadgeGen. I never cared before about Y2K caches/oldies or webcams, but now those are high on my list as a result of various road trips with that group. I’m also hoping to complete my quad Jasmer sooner rather than later (just need a trip to Michigan) and enjoy adding counties.” – Jon / Moun10Bike

“I like my goals to be challenging yet achievable and easy to measure/track. I wanted to fill my D/T grid but it was really hard to figure out the ever changing list of caches that would get me there since any List was immediately out of date as soon as I found one of the caches on it. It wasn’t until the D/T grid search was introduced on the web, that I was finally able to make it.

I also liked filling my calendar grid. A streak was too hard for me for a full year, but I like that I can fill the calendar grid over multiple years. I have now filled it 3 times” – Nicole / Nykkole 

“My goals might be heavily influenced by my job but souvenir campaigns like Mystery at the Museum, World Record, and Cosmic Quest really helped motivate me and presented obvious souvenir goals that I worked toward. I completed a week-long streak for the first time because of Cosmic Quest!” – Genevieve / gminer1105

“I tend to choose goals/challenges that I hear about from other lackeys and that don’t feel too daunting (e.g. Mackenzie inspired me to fill in my calendar, Adam told me about nearby milestones and souvenir challenge caches).

A good goal for me is one that seems like I could accidentally accomplish it by caching semi-sporadically or that someone else can do the strategizing for me (i.e., my husband). If it involves spreadsheets or long-term tracking, I personally am less inclined to pursue it.” – Alexis / sixela206

“My goals for the coming year is to try to continue to fill my 366 calendar with different types and sizes of caches.

I have a few hiding goals including finishing an 81 grid of Large Letterbox caches I placed with some geobuddies. I also want to hide one of each cache type. I think all that I have left is an Earthcache!” –Jeff / gearguru

We’d love to hear from you! Do you set geocaching goals? If so, how do you decide? Share in the comments below!