Geocaching®

Join the world’s largest community of creative hiders and outdoor seekers with the official Geocaching® app. With over 3 million cleverly hidden geocache containers worldwide, you can join an active community of outdoor explorers creating, sharing and playing the game of geocaching all around you. Geocaches are created and shared by people like you, who have a passion for hiding treasure, seeking adventure, and sharing the most meaningful and creative hiding spots all over the world. 
 
Whether you are traveling to a new city, a family out on a neighborhood walk, or a group of friends who know how to appreciate a good scavenger hunt, geocaching is easy enough for anyone to get started. Browse our map to discover hidden cache locations nearby — no matter what city or country you are in. Start by navigating using GPS-enabled directions to within 30 feet of the cache — then your real search begins. Geocaches are hidden out of sight, often disguised, to only be found by the people who are trying to find them.
 
Geocaches come in all shapes, sizes, and types — and some may be more cleverly deceptive than you can even imagine. Cache owners will always include a log book for you to sign to record your successful find. Larger containers might also include some treasures to be traded or moved to other cache locations — like with trackable tags, personal keepsakes, and the occasional geocoin hoping to be passed on to the next adventurer. Once you are done with the container, simply place it back exactly as you found it for the next explorer to discover.
 
With a constantly growing community of geocachers there is no limit to how you can get in on the fun. You can play as a family in your neighborhood and parks, add some cache seeking to your jogging or fitness routine, or challenge yourself with some all-terrain caches on a hike near your favorite trails. Use the map to find local events held by the community around the world to learn the best tips and tricks for finding caches and the impact this global game has had on their lives. If you’re lucky enough, they may even share some of the TOTT (tools of the trade!) with you to make sure no treasure gets left behind on your search. 
 
Get more with Geocaching Premium! Upgrade to access all geocaches and extra features to personalize your experience. Keep track of your personal stats and achievements, search and filter for your favorite types of geocaches, or download caches to your phone to use Trail maps and stay on-trail when offline.
 
You can buy a Premium membership subscription through your Google Play account. Premium membership is available with a monthly or annual subscription. You can subscribe and pay through your Google Play account. Your subscription will automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period.
 
Terms of use: https://www.geocaching.com/about/termsofuse.aspx
Refund policy: https://www.geocaching.com/account/documents/refundpolicy

Geocaching is a real-world outdoor recreational activity that combines the use of GPS-enabled devices with the thrill of a treasure hunt. Participants, known as geocachers, use a mobile app or GPS device to locate hidden containers called geocaches, which typically contain a logbook, a pencil, and sometimes small trinkets for trading.

Origins and History

Geocaching originated in May 2000 when Dave Ulmer, an avid GPS enthusiast, hid a bucket containing various items in the woods near Beavercreek, Oregon. He posted the coordinates online, inviting others to find his "stash." The concept quickly gained popularity, and within a few years, geocaches were being hidden all over the world.

Gameplay

Geocachers use a variety of GPS devices or mobile apps to locate geocaches. The apps provide coordinates, difficulty ratings, terrain ratings, and hints to guide the search. Geocaches can be hidden in various locations, including parks, forests, urban areas, and even underwater.

Once a geocache is found, the geocacher typically signs the logbook and may trade trinkets or trackable items. Trackable items are objects with unique codes that can be logged online to track their journey through different geocaches.

Types of Geocaches

There are various types of geocaches, each with its own unique characteristics:

* Traditional Geocaches: The most common type, containing a logbook and trinkets.

* Mystery Caches: Require solving puzzles or riddles to determine the final coordinates.

* Multi-Caches: A series of geocaches that lead to a final destination.

* EarthCaches: Focus on geological features or scientific concepts.

* Virtual Caches: Do not have a physical container but require visiting a specific location and answering questions.

Benefits

Geocaching offers numerous benefits, including:

* Outdoor Recreation: Encourages exploration and physical activity.

* Mental Stimulation: Solves puzzles and challenges the mind.

* Socialization: Connects geocachers from all walks of life.

* Education: EarthCaches provide insights into geology and environmental science.

* Conservation: Promotes responsible outdoor behavior and environmental awareness.

Etiquette and Guidelines

Geocaching is governed by a set of guidelines to ensure responsible and ethical behavior:

* Leave No Trace: Respect the environment and leave the area as you found it.

* Respect Private Property: Obtain permission before geocaching on private land.

* Log Your Finds: Sign the logbook and record your visit online.

* Trade Fairly: Trade trinkets of equal value.

* Safety First: Be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions.

Conclusion

Geocaching is a global phenomenon that has brought people together to enjoy outdoor adventures, solve puzzles, and learn about their surroundings. It promotes physical activity, mental stimulation, socialization, and environmental awareness, making it a rewarding and enriching hobby for people of all ages.