Geocaching

A GUIDE TO GEOCACHING IN THE CONEJO VALLEY

There are hundreds of geocaches in the Conejo Valley, many of them along the trails in our open spaces!

GEOCACHING is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online.

GEOCACHING IN 8 EASY STEPS

 

  1. Go to www.geocaching.com and register for a free account.
  2. Visit www.geocaching.com hompage.
  3. Enter a location and click the magnifying glass.
  4. Choose any geocache on the results page and click on its name.
  5. Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS device.
  6. Use your GPS device to help you find the hidden geocache.
  7. Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location.
  8. Share your geocaching stories and photos online.

Rules of Geocaching

  • If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value.
  • Write about your find in the cache logbook.
  • Log your experience at www.geocaching.com.

 

Basic Guidelines

  • Geocaches should never be buried or placed in a location that might cause unnecessary concern.
  • Don’t place items such as food, explosives, knives, drugs or alcohol in a geocache.
  • Geocache contents should be family friendly.
  • Respect local laws and obey posted signs.

GEOCACHING BASICS

 

Before You Go

  • Learn how to operate your GPS device and bring extra batteries.
  • Select a geocache with terrain and difficulty ratings that will meet your goals. A (1/1) is easiest, a (5/5) the most difficult.
  • Read the geocache description and don’t forget the hints. It is also a good idea to bring a map.
  • Remember that a geocache can take longer to find depending on environmental obstacles.
  • Pack any needed supplies such as water, food and extra clothing.
  • Invite friends and family with you; sharing the experience can be very rewarding.
  • Let someone else know where you are going.

On Your Way

  • Mark your car or a trailhead as a waypoint to ensure your safe return.
  • Rely on your eyes rather than your GPS device within 50 feet of the geocache location.
  • Remember, geocaches are hidden in plain sight and never buried, but they are often very cleverly camouflaged.
  • Be mindful of the environment; practice Cache In Trash Out.

After the Find

  • Sign the cache logbook.
  • Leave the cache as you found it (hidden, of course).
  • Share your geocaching stories and photos online at Geocaching.com.

TYPES OF GEOCACHES

Traditional

The original geocache type consisting of, at minimum, a container and a logbook. Coordinates listed on a traditional cache page give the cache’s exact location.

Multi-Cache

A Multi-Cache involves two or more locations. Hints found at the initial location(s) lead to the final geocache, which is a physical container.

Mystery or Puzzle Caches

Mystery or Puzzle Caches can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine the coordinates of the cache.

Event Cache

A geocaching event organized by local geocachers or geocaching organizations in the interest of discussing geocaching. Coordinates on the cache page indicate event location.

 

CACHE IN TRASH OUT

 

Cache In Trash Out is a worldwide environmental clean-up effort supported by the geocaching community. Since 2002, geocachers have been dedicated to cleaning up parks and other cache-friendly places around the world.

Check the online event calendar to participate in organized clean-ups in your area.

For more information visit www.geocaching.com/cito