Geocaching 101

Getting started with geocaching

You’re invited to join the world’s largest treasure hunt. Watch the video above to see geocaching in action. Below, you’ll find tips and instructions on how to find your first geocache in four simple steps. Download the official Geocaching® app to play.

    Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

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!

Find a cache near you.

Three adults walk along a hiking trail toward a tree.

2. Navigate to the geocache

Once you select a cache, go outside, and use the app to navigate to it. And don’t forget to bring a pen so you can sign the logbook inside the geocache.

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

3. Look for the geocache

Once you navigate to the location, look at the recent activity and the hint for clues. 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 and log the geocache

Sign your username in the geocache’s logbook and place the geocache back where you found it. Log your find in the app or on Geocaching.com to see your find count increase!

Get started!

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

Need more help? Visit our frequently asked questions.