{"id":156107,"date":"2026-05-04T09:55:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T16:55:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/blog\/?p=156107"},"modified":"2026-05-19T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T15:35:01","slug":"a-recap-of-our-first-2026-hiding-theme-hidden-in-plain-sight-urban-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/blog\/2026\/05\/a-recap-of-our-first-2026-hiding-theme-hidden-in-plain-sight-urban-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"A recap of our first 2026 hiding theme: Hidden in plain sight\u2014urban edition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>We kicked off the 2026 hiding themes with a challenge to look twice at their surroundings. <strong>Hidden in plain sight\u2014urban edition<\/strong> covered clever, camouflaged geocaches that blend into everyday urban surroundings.<\/p>\n<p>From February 1 through March 31, geocachers around the world nominated caches they hid or found in 2026, turning inconspicuous objects and placements into extraordinary adventures.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>After reviewing all your incredible nominations, we\u2019ve selected caches that undeniably capture the spirit of this theme. Each of these hides is creative, unexpected, and surely unforgettable.<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at some caches that require a second look:<\/p>\n<p>1. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/coord.info\/GCBHGYB\">GCBHGYB<\/a>\u2014On Ya Bike<\/strong><br \/>\nCache owner: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/p\/?guid=ea5d4f4e-d9e7-4b63-a2ca-9aa237c1c1c5&amp;wid=4e49dd33-933c-4104-9333-c87e2338e72e&amp;ds=2\">BrianandGreg<\/a> \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_156115\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-156115\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-156115\" src=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1st.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1st.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1st-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1st-656x491.jpg 656w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1st-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1st-2048x1534.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-156115\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Images by BrainandGreg.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A cleverly disguised cache hidden in plain sight as a realistic security lock mounted above an old door lock. The container is magnetically attached to a metal surface and blends seamlessly into its surroundings.<\/p>\n<p>2. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/coord.info\/GCBJJCJ\">GCBJJCJ<\/a>\u2014\u2665\u2665TEAM U.S.A. TRAVEL BUG HOTEL\u2665\u2665<\/strong><br \/>\nCache owner: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/p\/?guid=042d22c2-9121-4d8b-89ce-6598739d72b7&amp;wid=eef71dfc-5d53-466f-ac2d-90f5dbb15ea0&amp;ds=2\">SmokinRiverRat<\/a> \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_156116\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-156116\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-156116\" src=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2nd.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2nd.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2nd-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2nd-656x416.jpg 656w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2nd-1536x975.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2nd-2048x1299.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-156116\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Images by captainmath and GameForTravel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This cache is a creative twist on an electrical box, transformed into a larger-than-life Travel Bug hotel with an Olympic flair for the <a href=\"https:\/\/coord.info\/GCB2R1R\">BAMARAMA 2026<\/a> Event\u2014hence the cache title. Standing about 4 feet tall, it\u2019s hiding in plain sight along a busy route to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.<\/p>\n<p>3. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/coord.info\/GCBK0G1\">GCBK0G1<\/a>\u2014SideTracked &#8211; Mooroolbark Multi-Storey V2<\/strong><br \/>\nCache owner: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/p\/?guid=a8908442-351f-46bc-b18a-662bca11a40a&amp;wid=c451b1d4-cc20-4c8b-96ea-b333161763b7&amp;ds=2\">iteem<\/a> \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_156127\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-156127\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-156127\" src=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-656x369.jpg 656w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-400x225.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-156127\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Images by iteem.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This sneaky cache blends right into the concrete jungle. This piece is no ordinary piece of plumbing\u2014a 90mm PVC clip-on tee hugging a downpipe in a multi-story garage. Nothing to see here\u2026 or is there?<\/p>\n<p>4. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/coord.info\/GCBH9EH\">GCBH9EH<\/a>\u2014Symbole Rzeszowa BONUS<\/strong><br \/>\nCache owner: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/p\/?guid=cf955b92-f240-470e-b7a0-528ef9186955&amp;wid=dfc0e986-f11c-4520-9105-baa527c4844d&amp;ds=2\">Smerfetka1987<\/a> \ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddf1<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_156130\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-156130\" style=\"width: 6250px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-156130\" src=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"6250\" height=\"6250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-656x656.jpg 656w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-200x200.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 6250px) 100vw, 6250px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-156130\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Images by geosmerf and ElKaMiRo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This Adventure Lab\u00ae bonus cache is a tribute to the city\u2019s pride, featuring the coat of arms of Rzesz\u00f3w! Once you start looking, you\u2019ll realize this symbol is everywhere\u2014on road signs, manhole covers, bridges\u2014you name it! Mimicking this symbol, the cache blends right into the everyday cityscape.<\/p>\n<p>5. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/coord.info\/GCBK522\">GCBK522<\/a>\u2014Neu Zittow (TB-Hotel)<\/strong><br \/>\nCache owner: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/p\/?guid=a91904ca-aea3-4e66-b2de-d6c4bc25deff&amp;wid=024fe026-d708-4ae7-a2ed-38352fdcf716&amp;ds=2\">KongloDirk<\/a> \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\ud83d\udee3 Nothing is as it seems \ud83d\udee3 #geo #shorts\" width=\"554\" height=\"984\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X6HstpfM4p0?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Video by KongloDirk.<\/p>\n<p>At first glance, nothing seems unusual, but looks can be deceiving. This trackable hotel is hidden inside the post itself. To reveal it, gently lift the upper section of the marker. The post sits just off the travel lane along the shoulder of a federal highway, blending seamlessly into its surroundings.<\/p>\n<p>6. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/coord.info\/GCBM2B0\">GCBM2B0<\/a>\u2014Book Em Danno!<\/strong><br \/>\nCache owner: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/p\/?guid=ee1959ef-beb5-4db2-b8b1-b17450a88ebc&amp;wid=ae2a9c51-ddfd-4e3b-b514-c1ef27e4165e&amp;ds=2\">prw221<\/a> \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_156119\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-156119\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-156119\" src=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1827\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5-656x468.jpg 656w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5-1536x1096.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5-2048x1461.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-156119\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Images by prw221.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you know, you know! This cute library cache is hiding inconspicuously, waiting for geocachers to find it. In cooperation with the local library, this Multi-Cache pretends to be a book in the geography section.<\/p>\n<p>7. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/coord.info\/GCBM3WC\">GCBM3WC<\/a>\u2014My Garden, Our Garden \u79c1\u306e\u5ead\u307f\u3093\u306a\u306e\u5ead<\/strong><br \/>\nCache owner: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/p\/?guid=c7685601-1c98-483a-8fe6-0677b2c2d4b7&amp;wid=4a7566ef-86f7-4d0f-9590-ad14c7d690e9&amp;ds=2\">keroyo<\/a> \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_156122\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-156122\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-156122\" src=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7-300x142.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7-656x309.jpg 656w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7-1536x725.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7-2048x966.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-156122\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Images by keroyo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Envision standing at the origin of the <a href=\"https:\/\/donnykimball.com\/somei-yoshino-93ec98aa702d\">Somei Yoshino<\/a>, Japan\u2019s most iconic cherry blossom. In a place where sakura motifs are everywhere\u2014on signs, decorations, and everyday objects\u2014one more blossom doesn\u2019t draw much attention. Disguised with a cherry blossom design, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings, hiding in plain sight among the many floral details.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014<\/p>\n<p>What an incredible assortment of creative, stealthy caches! From cleverly disguised everyday objects to subtle details tucked into busy streetscapes, these caches remind us that great hides don\u2019t need to be far off the beaten path\u2014they\u2019re often right in front of us.<\/p>\n<p>A huge round of applause to the incredible cache owners who encourage geocachers to slow down and notice the extraordinary hidden within the everyday urban landscape.<\/p>\n<p>Visit #GeoHT26 on Instagram and the hiding themes highlight on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/geocaching\/\">@geocaching Instagram<\/a> page to see more clever caches from this quarter\u2019s theme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our next theme is:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/the-second-2026-hiding-theme-hiking-and-nature-%f0%9f%8c%b2%f0%9f%8d%83\/\">hiking and nature<\/a> \ud83c\udf32\ud83c\udf43<\/p>\n<p>We can\u2019t wait to see what you create for Q2!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We kicked off the 2026 hiding themes with a challenge to look twice at their surroundings. Hidden in plain sight\u2014urban edition covered clever, camouflaged geocaches that blend into everyday urban surroundings. From February 1 through March 31, geocachers around the world nominated caches they hid or found in 2026, turning inconspicuous objects and placements into&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":154525,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"audio","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[134],"tags":[264,2184,2079,263,2288],"series":[],"class_list":["post-156107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-city","tag-hidden-in-plain-sight","tag-hiding-themes","tag-urban","tag-urban-caching"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/d3mo08i005h0zn.cloudfront.net\/blog\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EN-Q1-Blog-Header.jpg","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"},"stitcher":{"key":"stitcher","url":"","label":"Stitcher","class":"stitcher","icon":"stitcher.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/blog\/feed\/podcast\/inside-geocaching-hq-podcast","embedCode":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"iKhZ77XZkS\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/blog\/2026\/05\/a-recap-of-our-first-2026-hiding-theme-hidden-in-plain-sight-urban-edition\/\">A recap of our first 2026 hiding theme: Hidden in plain sight\u2014urban edition<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/blog\/2026\/05\/a-recap-of-our-first-2026-hiding-theme-hidden-in-plain-sight-urban-edition\/embed\/#?secret=iKhZ77XZkS\" width=\"500\" height=\"350\" title=\"&#8220;A recap of our first 2026 hiding theme: Hidden in plain sight\u2014urban edition&#8221; &#8212; Official Blog\" data-secret=\"iKhZ77XZkS\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\n\/*! 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