Geocaching 101

How to geocache

Geocaching is an any day, any time activity that can take you to amazing and beautiful places. Geocaches are physical containers hidden all around the world you can find from a set of coordinates.

Two adults look at a smartphone screen.

1. Open the app

Download and open the Geocaching® app to see geocaches near you. Then, select a geocache to find!

    Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Three adults walk along a hiking trail toward a tree.

2. Navigate to the geocache

Head outside and use the app to navigate to the cache you chose. You can use the compass or get turn-by-turn directions.

Three adults search for a geocache around, below, and up a tree.

3. Look for the geocache

The app will get you within 30 feet (9 meters) of the cache, so look at the recent activity and the hint for clues on where to search. Geocaches come in all shapes and sizes!

Three adults kneel by a tree as one opens a geocache container made of a repurposed log.

4. Find the geocache

Sign your username on the cache’s log sheet and place the container back where you found it.

Two adults and two children stand in the forest looking at the youngest who holds the geocache container in the air above his head.

5. Log the geocache

Post your find in the app or on Geocaching.com to see your find count increase!

Map nearby geocaches

Need more help? Visit our frequently asked questions.