Whether you’re about to find your first geocache or your ten-thousandth, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about the game.
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.
When you find a cache, what makes it stand out as a quality cache? For some, it’s about creativity. For others, it’s about location, storytelling, or thoughtful placement.
While it’s easy to point out what doesn’t work—like damaged containers or soggy logs—defining what makes a cache great is much more subjective.
We asked geocachers to share what quality means to them.
When geocachers step outside with a GPS-enabled device, they’re tapping into decades of brilliant science and mathematics that make those coordinates possible. Behind every successful find stands a brilliant mathematician whose work helped make modern GPS possible: Dr. Gladys West.
Whether you’re out on a hike or visiting a local park, sometimes you come across a spot and think, “That would be a great place for a cache.”
With the latest Geocaching® app release (version 10.7.0+), you can now record a hiding spot, add cache details, and submit a Traditional Cache for review—all from the mobile app!
Have you ever set out to find a winter-friendly cache… only to discover it was hidden at the base of a pole six feet under snow? (I have!)
Great geocaching outings start with the right expectations. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly afternoon or a long-distance hike, attributes help match the experience to your plans.
