Creating Your Own Geocache: A Step-by-Step Guide
Geocaching is a fantastic outdoor activity that combines technology, exploration, and a sense of adventure. If you've enjoyed finding geocaches, why not create your own and share the fun with others? This guide will walk you through the process of creating and hiding a geocache, from choosing the perfect location to submitting it for publication.
1. Choosing a Suitable Location
The location of your geocache is crucial. It should be interesting, accessible (to some extent), and compliant with local regulations. Here's what to consider:
Accessibility: The difficulty of reaching your cache should match the terrain rating you assign to it. A cache hidden on a steep cliff face requires climbing gear and should be rated accordingly. Consider the physical capabilities of geocachers of all ages and abilities. A good starting point is to aim for a location that is easily accessible by foot.
Interesting Features: A geocache near a historical landmark, a scenic viewpoint, or a unique natural feature will be more appealing. Think about what makes your chosen spot special and how you can incorporate that into the geocache experience.
Legality and Permissions: Always check local regulations and obtain permission from landowners before placing a geocache on private property. Avoid hiding caches in areas where geocaching is prohibited, such as near railway lines, airports, or sensitive environmental zones. Respect 'No Trespassing' signs and other posted restrictions.
Environmental Impact: Choose a location that minimises environmental impact. Avoid disturbing wildlife habitats, damaging vegetation, or creating erosion. Use existing trails and avoid creating new ones. Consider the long-term effects of geocachers visiting the site.
Proximity to Other Caches: Check the Geocaching website or app to see if there are already caches nearby. Geocaching guidelines often specify minimum distances between caches to avoid overcrowding and maintain the uniqueness of each find. Aim for a location that offers a distinct experience from existing caches.
Examples of Good and Bad Locations
Good: A well-maintained park with clear pathways, a publicly accessible historical site, or a scenic overlook with established trails.
Bad: A protected wildlife reserve, a dangerous construction site, or private property without permission.
2. Selecting a Cache Container
The container you choose should be durable, waterproof, and appropriate for the location. Here are some common options:
Micro Caches: These are very small containers, such as film canisters or magnetic key holders. They typically only hold a logbook. Suitable for urban environments where space is limited.
Small Caches: These containers, like small plastic containers or lunchboxes, can hold a logbook and a few small trade items. Ideal for parks and easily accessible locations.
Regular Caches: Larger containers, such as ammo boxes or larger plastic containers, can hold a logbook and a variety of trade items. Best suited for more remote locations where they are less likely to be discovered by non-geocachers (muggles).
Large Caches: Very large containers, like buckets or storage bins, can hold many trade items and even travel bugs. These are rare and require significant space and careful concealment.
Considerations for Container Selection
Waterproofness: Ensure the container is watertight to protect the logbook and contents from the elements. Use a container with a tight-fitting lid and consider adding a waterproof bag inside for extra protection.
Durability: Choose a container made from durable materials that can withstand exposure to the elements and potential tampering. Avoid using flimsy containers that can easily be damaged.
Camouflage: Consider camouflaging the container to blend in with its surroundings. Use paint, tape, or natural materials to make it less conspicuous. However, avoid making it look like litter.
Size: Select a size that is appropriate for the location and the intended contents. A larger container may be more appealing to finders, but it may also be more difficult to conceal.
3. Creating a Logbook and Initial Contents
The logbook is an essential part of every geocache. It allows finders to record their visit and share their experience. Here's what to include:
Logbook: Use a waterproof notebook or a roll of waterproof paper. Include a space for finders to write their name, date, and comments. Consider adding a few blank pages for future entries. A pen or pencil should also be included, ideally attached to the logbook with a string.
Initial Contents (Trade Items): Include a few small, inexpensive trade items for finders to exchange. These can be toys, trinkets, keychains, or other small objects. Avoid including food, liquids, or anything that could be considered offensive or dangerous. Always ensure items are family-friendly.
Geocaching Note: Include a note explaining what geocaching is and encouraging finders to log their visit online. This can help prevent the cache from being mistaken for litter and discarded by non-geocachers.
Examples of Appropriate Trade Items
Small toys
Keychains
Stickers
Marbles
Small tools (e.g., multi-tool keychain)
4. Writing a Descriptive Cache Listing
The cache listing is your opportunity to attract finders and provide them with the information they need to locate your cache. Here's what to include:
Cache Name: Choose a creative and descriptive name that reflects the location or the cache itself.
Coordinates: Provide accurate coordinates for the cache location. Use a GPS device or a smartphone app to obtain the coordinates. Double-check the accuracy of the coordinates before submitting the listing.
Difficulty and Terrain Ratings: Assign appropriate difficulty and terrain ratings based on the challenge of finding the cache and the accessibility of the location. Use the Geocaching rating system as a guide. Be honest and accurate in your ratings.
Cache Description: Write a detailed description of the cache location, the container, and any hints or clues. Be clear and concise in your instructions. Avoid giving away the exact location of the cache, but provide enough information to guide finders in the right direction. Mention any potential hazards or obstacles.
Hints: Provide a hint to help finders who are struggling to locate the cache. Use a spoiler tag to conceal the hint from those who don't want to use it. The hint should be helpful but not too obvious.
Attributes: Select appropriate attributes to indicate the features of the cache, such as whether it is wheelchair accessible, dog-friendly, or requires special equipment. This helps finders choose caches that are suitable for their needs and abilities. You can learn more about Geocaching and its features on our site.
5. Submitting Your Cache for Review
Before your cache can be published, it must be reviewed by a local geocaching volunteer. Here's how to submit your cache for review:
Create a Geocaching Account: If you don't already have one, create a free account on the Geocaching website.
Create a Cache Listing: Fill out the cache listing form with all the required information, including the cache name, coordinates, description, hints, and attributes.
Submit for Review: Submit the cache listing for review. A local geocaching volunteer will review the listing and the location to ensure that it meets the geocaching guidelines. This process can take several days or weeks, depending on the backlog of submissions.
Respond to Feedback: If the reviewer has any questions or concerns, respond promptly and make any necessary changes to the listing or the cache location. Be patient and cooperative throughout the review process.
6. Maintaining Your Geocache
Once your cache is published, it's your responsibility to maintain it. This includes:
Regular Visits: Visit your cache regularly to check its condition and ensure that the logbook is dry and the contents are intact. Replace any damaged or missing items.
Responding to Logs: Respond to finders' logs and address any concerns or questions they may have. This helps build a sense of community and encourages others to visit your cache. You can find frequently asked questions on our site.
Addressing Maintenance Requests: If finders report any problems with the cache, such as a missing container or a damaged logbook, address the issue promptly. This shows that you care about your cache and the geocaching community.
- Archiving the Cache: If you are no longer able to maintain the cache, archive it to prevent it from becoming a neglected eyesore. This removes the cache from the geocaching map and prevents others from searching for it.
By following these steps, you can create a geocache that is both fun and rewarding for yourself and other geocachers. Happy caching!