Hiking Lady

Geocaching in the desert

If you haven’t tried geocaching yet, you’re missing out!

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an exciting, very low cost sport. It is essentially outdoor navigation with GPS devices, and the goal to is find a cache, or treasure. Low cost sports are always nice, especially when they are great ways to have fun with your family outdoors!

The most basic definition of geocaching is a sophisticated scavenger hunt. Geocachers use a GPS device to find “caches” that were hidden by other geocachers. The “caches” are small tupperware or other waterproof durable containers that are filled with trinkets. Nothing expensive, just something fun to find!

History of Geocaching

Prior to 2000, consumer GPS’ had a feature called Selective Availability, meaning that there were intentional errors in measurements. The range of errors was small (a couple hundred feet), but definitely enough to make GPS devices useless for the sport of geocaching. It was intended to prevent terrorists/enemies of the U.S. from using consumer GPS’ for malicious purposes. The feature is now disabled, so now the GPS data is actually accurate and so the sport of geocaching was born!

How to Geocache

The person depositing the loot (the “cache”) makes a note of the coordinates on a geocaching website. Then you can get those coordinates, and armed with a GPS device you can head out on your adventure! Once you discover the cache, the proper etiquette is that you can take an object, as long as you replace it with one of equal or higher value. Don’t be the one who makes a kid cry by taking the cache without replacing it!

There are a variety of geocaches, ranging from quick finds to multi-day mystery hikes. With almost 1 million of these caches around the world currently, you’re sure to have some fun trying to find some! Be forewarned: it can get addicting.

All of you hikers and backpackers out there will enjoy geocaching, as will those who like to solve puzzles.

Because it is so affordable, it is a perfect alternative to expensive family activities like a day at a theme park or even the movies! All you need is a GPS device. Plus, it is fantastic exercise.

If you’re looking for some weekend adventure give it a try. Lace up your hiking boots and get geocaching!

What You Need to Get Started Geocaching?

Garmin GPS 60CSx: The Garmin GPS 60CSx is a good, all around GPS for hikers and geocachers. It has a very large display for its size, and it waterproof and easy to read. Is has more functionality than a very basic GPS device, but isn’t it nice to have an alarm clock and sunrise and sunset information? This one has 28 hours of battery life, which is great for those of us who like to go on multi-day outdoor adventures.