Hiding Geocaches
Before considering your first geocache hide, geocaching.com suggest that you find a variety of caches in your area. Seeing caches in a variety of locations, in different containers and hidden by a variety of users will help you understand what makes a great cache hide. This makes it more likely that you too will hide an interesting cache that everyone will enjoy!
As you prepare to place your cache, review geocaching.com’s Guide to Hiding a Cache and the Geocache Listing Guidelines. It is important that you understand these guidelines before submitting a cache for review.
When I submit a new cache for publication, how long will it take to be listed?
Each cache that is submitted to Geocaching.com is reviewed by a volunteer to ensure that the cache meets the Geocaching Listing Guidelines. It may take up to seven days for the volunteer to contact you and make your cache live on the web site. Sometimes the volunteer will need to work with you to fine-tune the listing so it can be published. geocaching.com kindly ask for your patience during this review process, especially on weekends when site traffic can be high.
Hiding Your First Geocache
Step 1 – Research a Cache Location
Geocaching is just like real estate – location, location, location! It is common for Geocachers to hide caches in locations that are
important to them, reflecting a special interest or skill of the cache owner. These unique locations on the planet can be quite
diverse. A prime camping spot, great viewpoint, unusual location, etc. are all good places to hide a cache.
When thinking about where to place a cache, keep these things in mind:
1) Does it meet all requirements and Geocache Listing Guidelines to be listed on the site? Make sure to review these during your
research. Issues of concern include cache saturation, commerciality, solicitation and long-term cache maintenance.
2) Did you consider accessibility? If it is too visible or too close to busy roads and trails, there is a good chance someone may
stumble upon it by accident. It is best to place a cache just off trail to preserve the environment but keep it out of sight of
people casually passing by.
3) Did you seek permission from the land owner or manager? If you place a cache on private land, you must ask permission
before hiding your cache. If you place it on public lands, contact the land manager to find out about any rules or restrictions.
Please note: You will be in violation of federal regulation by placing a cache in any area administered by the National Park
Service (US). The National Park regulations are intended to protect the fragile environment, and historical and cultural areas
found in the parks.
4) Will the location placement cause unnecessary concern? Please use common sense when choosing a location for your cache.
Do not design your cache such that it might be confused with something more dangerous.
5) You are ultimately responsible for the cache so make sure you know the rules for the area where your cache is being placed.
Respect the area around your chosen location. Keep in mind that others will be walking in these areas.
6) If it’s the location of a wild animal nest, or if it is off-trail with delicate ground cover, too much activity may damage the very
nature of why this area is cool.
7) Do not place caches on archaeological or historical sites. In most cases these areas are highly sensitive to the extra traffic
that would be caused by vehicles and humans.
8) A cache hidden in full view of office or apartment building windows exposes a geocacher to being seen by someone who may
think the cache search looks suspicious.
Step 2 – Preparing Your Cache
Cache Containers
Start by choosing a container that will withstand the weather all year round. Geocachers have had good success with clear,
watertight plastic containers, ammunition boxes, and waterproof boxes often used on boats. You will also want to invest in
zippered plastic bags to further protect the cache contents, in case your container does leak.
Whatever the container, make sure to clearly identify your cache as a geocache. Most geocachers mark the cache container with
the words “Official Geocache,” the name of the cache, and appropriate contact information. The more information you can
provide, the better.
Cache Contents
Next, you will need a logbook. Make sure to place a writing utensil in the cache as well. If you are in an area where the
temperature drops below freezing, make sure to provide a soft lead pencil. Pens tend to freeze and are rendered useless.
Include a note to welcome the cache finder and explains the activity in case someone accidentally finds your cache.
Lastly, you can put items for trading into the cache. It is highly recommended, but not necessary. What you place into your cache
is up to you, budget permitting. Some ideas of items to give as goodies:
Disposable camera. Put one in and ask everyone to take a picture and put it back in the cache. Later you can develop the
photos and place them online.
Toys for children. Include action figures, games, playing cards, and more.
Trackable items.
Keys to a brand new car :)
People of all ages hide and seek caches, so think carefully before placing an item into a cache. Explosives, ammunition, knives,
drugs and alcohol should not be placed in a cache. Respect the local laws.
Food items are always a bad idea. Animals have better noses than humans, and in some cases caches have been chewed through
and destroyed because of food items in a cache. Please do not put food in a cache.
Step 3 – Placing Your Cache
Once you arrive at the location of your hide, it is critical to obtain accurate GPS coordinates. This is the very heart of the activity,
after all. Be aware that during bad weather, the accuracy of the GPS unit may be poor.
Some GPS units have the ability to take an average set of coordinates. If your device cannot, it is best to mark a waypoint, walk
away from the location, then return and mark another waypoint. Continue marking waypoints at the location, around 7 – 10 times,
and then select the best waypoint.
Once you have your waypoint, write it in permanent marker on the container and in the logbook. Make sure you have a copy to
bring back with you. Write a few notes in the logbook if you like, place it in a zippered plastic bag for extra protection, and place it
in the cache container.
Step 4 – Submitting Your Cache
Take time to review the Geocache Listing Guidelines again. After placing your cache, does it still meet all requirements for
placement? If so, fill out the online form, paying careful attention to the helpful notes provided. Write a description that attracts
geocachers to your location, including images of interest.
Add descriptive attributes so that others can make a quick assessment of your cache. For example, is this area dog-friendly? Is
the hike over an hour long? Is the area accessible in a wheelchair? Is a boat required?
Double-check the accuracy and the format of your work and make any needed edits. After a review, your cache will be published
for the general public.
Step 5 – Maintaining Your cache
Once you place the cache, it is your responsibility to maintain the cache and the area around it. You will need to return as often as
you can to ensure that your cache is not impacting the area negatively, and to check that the container is in good shape.
Does the area look disturbed? Are visitors disrupting the landscape in any way? If you eventually have concerns about the
location, remove the container and make appropriate changes to your online listing.Happy Geocaching!