Understanding Geocaching: A Guide To Finding Hidden Treasures

Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt that you can participate in using your cell phone and a good pair of hiking boots.

Start our adventure with the free geocaching app you can download from your Play Store or from Geocaching.com. Then, using your phone’s GPS, you can look for hidden Geocaches that other users have hidden.

Geocaching in Arizona: Let the Games Begin

Geocache puzzles are rated on a difficulty scale from one to five. One is easy; you can probably find it within minutes. Five is the most difficult, and it could take a long time to find its hiding spot.

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The terrain you’ll travel to find a geocache is also rated from one to five. A rating of one means this geocache is wheelchair accessible. A five rating means you’ll need special equipment to solve the challenge, for example, you might need climbing gear or a boat to find it.

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As you probably figured out by now, you can combine the difficulty level with the terrain rating to make combinations like a one difficulty with a five-terrain or the most challenging level, a five difficulty with a five terrain.

Find Treasure in This Hidden Arizona Hotspot

Want to Hide a Geocache?

If you want to create and hide a geocache yourself, there are some rules to follow. A Geocache Reviewer is there to help you along the way. Before you publish a geocache, you should contact an Arizona Reviewer to make sure you’re following the rules outlined by the Geocaching Headquarters.

What is a Geocache Reviewer and What Are They Looking For?

A Geocache Reviewer is a volunteer who works with the Geocaching Headquarters in your area. Arizona has three Reviewers. Other states and countries have their own reviewers, and the number varies. Arizona’s three reviewers go by the monikers AZRedrock, Geo Desert Tiger, and ArizonaSkies.

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When you submit a Geocache, the reviewers will ensure it complies with the rules so the game stays fun for everyone.

Rule Number 1: Location, Location, Location

First, where will the geocache be located?

Depending on your chosen location, the rules are different. For example, suppose you plan to locate the geocache on private property. In that case, you’ll need permission, so you’ll have to submit the name and contact information of the person granting you the right to locate the geocache on their property, allowing it to be verified.

Unlock Arizona's Geocache Puzzle with GeoWoodstock XX

When you add the description of the geocache to the website, be sure to add the name and contact information of the person who gave you the right to locate the geocache there, so that the person hunting for treasure can find it. This lets Geocachers know it is acceptable for them to move forward.

Pro Tip: Even a public parking lot like Walmart needs permission. Just because people are allowed to be in a place doesn’t mean it is public property; you will still need permission.

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Rule Number 2: The Particulars

Secondly, be prepared to answer the 'where, what, and how' of the geocache.

Where is it located?

Church parking lot
My house
BLM Land

What is your Geocache?

An ammo can
A bison tube
A 3D-printed rock

How is it attached or hidden?

Hook in a tree
Under a pile of rocks
Attached to a fence post

Pro Tip: Include pictures in your submission. Reviewers love pictures.

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Geocaching! Reveals "Arizona Skies" for the First Time

What If I Can’t Answer These Questions?

If you can’t answer the questions where, what, and how, or if you can’t provide proof you have permission, your Arizona reviewer won’t approve it, and they’ll send it back to you for corrections.

Some other common reasons you might not get approval:

Saturation. Every Geocache must be at least 528 feet (one tenth of a mile) away from another one
Invalid Location. You can’t place a geocache next to a military installation, a school, most government buildings, railroads, or divided highways

What Do I Do If a Geocache Is Not Published?

First, read the entire email from your reviewer, especially if there are multiple issues preventing your geocache from moving forward. The Reviewer will let you know why they are sending it back. They may include links to the rules for which they need more information.

Make your corrections and resubmit for review. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you may receive a hard NO, and you won’t be allowed to publish. All is not lost. You may be able to make some minor adjustments, such as relocating it to a different spot.

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Keeping Geocaching Fun and Safe for Everyone

Remember, a reviewer is there to apply the rules so you can get your Geocache on the map for others to find. The process can seem frustrating at times, but remember the reviewers are volunteers, and this is still a game. Be sure to thank your Geocache reviewer in your submission; they are working hard to make the game a success.

Arizona Reviewer ArizonaSkies said, “Reviewers are also there to keep the integrity of the game positive. If the COPS are always being called, landowners are complaining, or someone is put in danger, then Geocaching could get a black eye.” Hiding a Geocache can raise red flags, and reviewers help everyone maintain integrity.

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ArizonaSkies continues, “In fact, bomb dogs have been called to a Geocache in my hometown. The state of Arizona once prohibited geocaches from being located on Arizona State Trust Land. Governor Doug Ducey brought it back to Arizona; this is why we want to keep Geocaching positive in the community mind, even if the public doesn’t know what it is.”