Geocaching
Geocaching is an exciting low cost treasure-hunt game perfect for you, your family, and your friends. In order to participate,, you will need to use a Global Positioning System, or GPS reciever to find a "geocache". By using co-ordinates found here and at http://www.geocaching.com/ you can find these treasures. Currently over 700,000 geocaches are available to find and are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents, including Antarctica.
For the traditional geocache, a geocacher will place a waterproof container, containing a log book (with pen or pencil) and some sort of treasure, then note the cache's coordinates. These coordinates, along with other details of the location, are posted on a website. Other geocachers obtain the coordinates from the Internet and seek out the cache using their GPS handheld receivers. The finding geocachers record their exploits in the logbook and online. Geocachers are free to take objects from the cache in exchange for leaving something of similar or higher value, so there is treasure for the next person to find.
Geocaching is a fun-filled activity which can be a great adventure as well as a fantastic learning experience for both you and your family!
Things you will need to Geocache:
- An account on a site like geocaching.co
- A Global Positioning System Receiver, also known as a GPSr or simply a GPS unit
- A computer with Internet access
- A printer for your computer, or simply note paper, to record details of the geocache from the caching site
- Cache items for trading
- A pencil for signing the log book or solving puzzles, in case there isn't one in the cache
- Proper wear for outdoor conditions
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Walking/hiking shoes
- Flashlight
Click here to quickly navigate geocaches located near our resorts:
Arizona
California
Canada
Hawaii
Nevada
New Hampshire
Texas
Wisconsin
Arizona
Czar mine
This mine shaft was originally created in 1885 and eventually reached a depth of 440 ft with levels cut on the 100, 200, 300 and 400 ft marks. Czar mine was operated for around 60 years before being shut down in 1944. The final end for the shaft came in 1973, when the collar caved in causing part of the structure called the headframe to fall over. This mine was known to be very damp and cold and produced many fantastic mineral specimens some of which can be viewed at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum located in downtown Bisbee. Today all that is left is a brass cap (marked water) in the middle of the parking lot that covers a pipe that is used to monitor the shaft. The cache is a ammo can with mineral samples.
Camp Quartermaster Store
Located on property owned by the Boy Scouts of America, but placed with permission from the local area council and the local camp ranger. There is a paved parking lot, but you will have to hike a short ways from there. The last part of the hike will take you up into some rocks, so no bikes or strollers will venture that far.
The primary purpose of this cache is to give the Boy Scouts and their leaders who visit the opportunity to trade Scout or outdoor related items. Patches of any type are always welcome from those that are not Scouters. Try and keep the theme going if possible. The cache is a large size ammo box, and should be big enough for most trade items and TBs. Please rehide it the way you found it or better. There are a couple of trails that head off into the mountain from near here, so it could be a great place to start a day of adventures.There will be plenty of fun things to choose from for the FTF, but there is a hand-carved and painted bolo tie (that resembles Baden Powell) for the first Boy Scout or Boy Scout leader to find.
Wildlife Treasure
Finding this cache will take you to one of Arizona’s Treasures to Wildlife.
Micro - log only
Liberty Wildlife receives between 3,000 and 4,000 injured or orphaned wild animals each year, returning more than 50% to the wild as healthy and viable. This almost all volunteer organization has been operating since 1981. Though the facility is not open to the public, and is available for tour only by special arrangement, they do receive injured animals from anyone at their current location. Construction of a new facility is underway in Papago Park, Phoenix, AZ.
Our son recently completed his Eagle Scout project rebuilding several Eagle cages on the property, affording us an opportunity to place the cache.
Cache contains only a log, so bring a writing stick. It is just off the road, inside parking entrance with permission.
California
Blue Schist
At this location on Mt. Diablo you will see an example of Blue Schist. This blue schist is an unusual type of metamorphic rock that forms in high-pressure, low-temperature environments, such as plate subduction zones, where one of the earth's tectonic plates slides under another.
Blue schist is usually derived from basalt or graywacke sandstone that has been dragged down 20-30 miles, squeezed, and then faulted back up to the surface before it's had time to heat up. This process happens very slowly, over many millions of years. To geologists, blue schist is a "red flag" indicator of an earthquake fault or subduction zone.
Turritella Snail Bed
At this location on Mt. Diablo you will see an example of a sedimentary rock layer containing the fossil snail, Turritella aedificata. During the Eocene period, 45 million years ago, these marine snails likely crawled along the ocean bottom and ate algae. This fossil deposit is an important marker for the geographic layers in Mount Diablo. Outcrops are seen a couple of miles to the east on the Knobcone Pine Trail, so that rock must be the same age as the rock at this site.
These Turritella aedificata snails are embedded in what once was the bottom of a shallow inland sea, and has, over millions of years, moved upward 1700 feet, to the side of this mountain. The rock layers (or beds) were originally formed in a horizontal position, but as Mt. Diablo was uplifted, the beds tilted 90 degrees. Here, you're looking at the edge of the beds.
House of Peace and Grace
Spiritual pilgrims of all persuasions should enjoy this super historical virtual on Nob Hill. Is open every day, but not 24 hrs a day.
Placed after Ash Wednesday services 2/25/04. The coords take you to the replica of the Ghiberti "Doors of Paradise", fashioned after the originals in Florence (though coords are spotty, you can easily find the bronze doors). This is just one of the masterpieces on this site. To claim a find, go inside the large structure (building here started in 1928) and email me the name of the "popular" saint represented in the larger-than-life sculpture to the left of the indoor labyrinth and the font. ALSO give me the sculptor's name (he was from SF) and dates of his birth/death. Allow time to visit the marvelous art of this spiritual place, gift shop/café and the indoor and outdoor labyrinths, and rest and reflect for a while. The Thursday Choral Evensong service is breathtakingly beautiful!
Nihonmachi
Immediately surrounding the mall are a number of shops and restaurants catering to the Japanese styles and tastes. The coordinates listed will take you to one of two bronze fountains created by Ruth Asawa, in a small plaza across from Japan Center (the cache is not here).
The Peace Plaza, found between Miyako Mall and Kintetsu Mall, is overshadowed by a large 5-tiered pagoda built in 1968. Surrounding the pagoda are stone benches that provide a convenient meeting place or Geocache starting point.
Parking is available, for a reasonable price, in the public garage underneath the shopping mall. Entrances can be found on Geary between Laguna & Webster, Filmore between Geary & Post, and Post between Webster & Laguna. There are metered parking spaces within feet of the cache, if your real lucky to get one.
The cache is a non-magnetic candy tin, painted black, with a grasping device attached, just large enough for a log and very small Geoswag. Best to bring your own writing device.
Canada
Whistler Village Mystery Tour
This is a six-stage cache that will take you on a stroll to interesting spots in and around Whistler Village. It can be done completely on foot and should take about an hour. Bring a pen, paper and a print-out for the simple arithmetic involved in the clues. If there is lots of snow around, boots are recommended - the final location involves a very short walk in the snow.
All waypoints are N 50 and W 122. Where you see brackets below, simply find the number in the brackets and use its digits in the co-ordinates: for example, 7.2(12+19+4) would become 7.235.
Proceed to 7.116 56.803 Number in a name? Let A be the single-digit number.
Proceed to 6.9(A+8) 57.0(A*A) B is the number of squares.
Proceed to 6.A(B+16) 57.2(A+B+4) C is the number of towers.
Proceed to 7.0(C-A-30) 57.2(A+C+29) Dylan wrote “The ghost of electricity howls in the bones of her face”. D is the number of ghosts who could howl here. Proceed to 7.0(A+B+D-1) 57.(A+B+C+D+164)
If you can spin it, count it. E is the count. Final Location: 7.0(C+D) 57.5(B+E)
Cache is a small green lock & lock with logbook and pencil. It is able to hold geocoins, small TBs and small objects.
St Thomas
Historic St Thomas Shanty Bay Church (2nd stage co-ordinates obtained from cache description) A short "multi" requiring a visit to the church yard to gather further instructions. This Church is among the oldest(1838)in Ontario and one of the few surviving structures built of "rammed earth" construction (compacted clay & straw covered by plaster). You will find reading the historic plaque both interesting and useful if you wish to locate the cache. How long did Rev. S.R Ardagh serve as rector (X) How long to complete contruction of St Thomas (Y) Cache is at: N 44 24.(627-X) W 079 34.(924-Y) Cache initially contained log book and pencil, "moo" noise maker key chain,2 Hot Wheels cars, USB to USB computer cable, pack of playing cards in case.
Hawaii
Puu Waawaa
Basically a park and grab. But, you will traverse some very rough terrain. The views getting to this cache are the true beauty.
With views of Volcanos, the Pacific Ocean, and quaint local buildings, it is the journey that makes this find worthwhile. This drive takes you to places that you might not normally go. It can be a quick park a grab, but you will need sturdy shoes. When you see a giant green dome, or Puu Waawaa, and are very near "21," safe parking will be obvious (maybe after you pass it.)--- Do NOT cross the rock wall.
Shark Cave
Marked by a permanent dive marker, you can locate this unusual formation a half mile south of Kona Village Resort/Four Seasons resort in Hualalai.
A large outcropping of lava and black coral measuring sixty-five feet across at the widest point. This unique black coral formation is usually swarming with schools of sergeant majors, tangs, raccoon butterfly fish and your new little friend.
Once you are in the area, you will see two unmistakable formations. Under the deeper one is where you will find this cache. The shallower arch has many pukas where lobster can be found but please be reminded On May 4, 2006 Gov. Lingle signed into law Act 77, which prohibits the taking or killing of female ula (spiny lobsters), Kona crabs, and Samoan crabs. The law took effect the same day. Closed season for spiny lobsters and Kona crabs runs from May through August, but there is no closed season for Samoan crabs.
To log this cache you must enter the cave and locate a log book we have placed inside on a ledge. Although this is not an exceptionally deep dive, it does require scuba gear. An extra star of difficulty was added for the shark that calls this cave home.
This is NOT a shore dive!
Ho'opi'i Falls
Cache is located overlooking Upper Ho'opi'i Falls which is along the Kapaa Stream near Kapaa on the East side of Kauai
To reach the trailhead from Hwy 56 drive about 0.6 miles north of Kapaa, turn west on Kawaihau Road. Drive 3.0 miles to Kapahi Rd. Turn right and drive 0.2 miles to the trailhead on the left. There is parking along the left side of the road for about 4 cars. Trail begins at a yellow gate. The trail to the falls is usually very muddy and slippery in places so be careful of your footing. When you reach a bend in the river, you can either take the trail up hill and around the water or take a small trail along side the river, but you may get your feet wet. When you reach Uper Ho'opi'i Falls you can continue down the trail to Lower Ho'opi'i Falls about 0.5 miles farther.
Please be careful as there is a large drop off about 20 feet from the cache location. Container is completely concealed behind some small rocks. Please rehid so its completely out of sight. Enjoy!
Petroglyphs
Start your search by turning off the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway at the entrance to Mauna Lani. N19° 56.119 W155° 50.623 Keep right on the roundabout and look for a sign that reads “Holoholokai Beach and Petroglyph Park.” The trail head is at N 19° 57.312 W 155° 51.560 and about 19’ above sea level. From the trail head, it is about 0.56 miles to the cache.
The cache is a lure so that you can enjoy the “Puako Petroglyph Archeological District.” Man has always left his mark. Symbols carved in rock were left by early civilizations. The Puako Petroglyph site is one of the largest and finest concentrations of the mysterious symbols left in Hawaii. It is likely that many of these Petroglyphs were made sometime between AD 1000 – 1800.The best time to see the Petroglyphs is early morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. The area has a unique beauty of its own as the trail winds through the Kiawe trees. The park is open to the public from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. On your return you will find a nice rest room, shower, picnic benches and a great beach walk.
Dragon's Pond
It is located near the Waikiki Zoo at the West end of Kapiolani Park. Enjoy the area and the hunt.
Pinao is the Hawaiian word for Dragonfly. It is native to the Hawaiians and is the largest and fastest flying insect in Hawaii. The Pinao has a slender body and large eyes. The male Pinao is blue, and if you come at the right time, you can see Pinaos flying over this pond.
The Pinao mothers lay their eggs underwater in plants and when the Dragonflies are young, they live underwater until they develop their wings and are ready to go above water and fly. When the Pinao (Dragonflies) are older, they either fly above water or they can even be found in the mountains.
Now for the cache! Go to the above coordinates. Once you locate the Pinao Plaque and stand in front of it and facing the sculpture in the water, turn around 180 degrees and take about 8 - 10 paces in search of the cache. There will be many muggles in the area so use extreme stealth. There is only a log book so please bring a pen. Please return everything back as found.
Nevada
Rainbow Gardens Gypsum
Access to this location is off of the Rainbow Gardens Road, reached from Lake Mead Boulevard. You will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle with good tires, and this is reflected in the terrain rating. A tape measure or ruler will also be needed to measure veins of gypsum at this site.
Gypsum is a soft mineral composed of hydrated calcium sulfate, and is formed through a process called evaporative deposition. In this process, salts precipitate out of very concentrated solutions and settle to the bottom of the lake or sea in which they are formed. Most of the gypsum found in this area is in the form of selenite crystals, which formed within clay lenses. Gypsum found near Las Vegas is thought to have formed in both marine environments (such as the Blue Diamond gypsum deposit), and desert playa lakes (as in the PABCO deposits to the northeast of here).
At this location, the Rainbow Gardens Road passes through a wash in which several veins of gypsum have been exposed. Concrete was placed in the wash to slow erosion, but as you can see, the force of water during flow events has just gone around the concrete and increased the erosion by eating away the gypsum.
South of this location, on the Rainbow Gardens Road, is evidence of the White Eagle Gypsum Mine, an early Las Vegas area gypsum mining concern. The gypsum beds in this area are from the Miocene-aged Horse Spring Formation (5-10 million years old), and the Triassic-aged Moenkopi Formation (about 240 million years old).
When you reach the coordinates for this Earthcache, park your vehicle at the edge of the road and walk down the wash. The gypsum veins are identified by being the white, crystalline material in the bottom of the wash. Using your measuring tape or ruler, measure the width of 10 of the gypsum veins.
New Hampshire
"The Cove" Earthcache at Mine Falls Park
Mine Falls Park is the home to The Cove, an excellent example of an oxbow lake. This cache will take you to the Educational Overlook Deck where you will be able to learn about the formation of an oxbow lake and partake of an excellent view of The Cove.
Mine Falls Park, a 325-acre park located in the heart of the City of Nashua, includes forest, wetlands, and open fields. The park is the home to The Cove, an excellent example of an oxbow lake. This earth cache will take you to the Educational Overlook Deck at "The Cove" where you will be able to learn about the formation of an oxbow lake and partake of an excellent view of The Cove.
Rocking Stones
Rocking Stone" is a glarcial erratic that resides in the Town of Barre's Rocking Stone Park. Parking is at a small dirt pull off along Rocking Stone road. Youcan follow the short trail right to the Rocking Stones.
Nearly all of Massachusetts was once covered by glaciers. These glaciers rounded off mountains, changed the course of streams, and left hundreds of ponds and lakes. Glacial deposits in the form of clay, stones, and boulders cover most of the state. The Rocking Stones here are an example of one of these deposits. From Wikipedia: "A glacial erratic is a piece of rock that deviates from the size and type of rock native to the area in which it rests; the name "erratic" is based on the errant location of these boulders. These rocks were carried to their current locations by glacial ice."
Texas
Natural Bridge Earthcache
This earthcache is on the private property of Natural Bridge Caverns. The Caverns were recently designated as a National Natural Landmark. (The owners are aware that this has been marked as an earthcache). Development of caves and natural bridges in the area of Cibolo Creek near New Braunfels were created in response to two episodes.
First, uplift of the San Marcos Arch raised Lower Cretaceous rocks,which promoted circulation of groundwater through fractures. During the Late Cretaceous period, the region was periodically covered by shallow seas that deposited sediments above the Glen Rose Formation.
The second disturbance, Balcones faulting, changed the elevation. Groundwater enlarged pre-existing, fractures as well as many of those produced by the faulting. As a result, major caves of the area, such as the Natural Bridge Caverns System, consist of large conduits for underground water.
Natural Bridge Caverns is a multilevel cavern system filled with beautiful "fried egg" formations.
Balcones Fault/Edwards Aquifer Earthcache
These coordinates are located on private property. The owner has knowledge of this cache and has given permission for cachers to come in and visit. Cache is not available after dark. You may claim this as a find if you post a picture of you or your gps with the Balcones Fault Zone in the background.
From this hilltop, you can see a panoramic view of the Balcones Fault Zone. This is part of the primary recharge area for the Edwards Aquifer, currently the sole source of drinking water for San Antonio and nearby communities. The area around here is made of Glen Rose limestone, which is composed of alternating harder and softer layers. The softer layers erode more rapidly, exposing large bands of the harder limestone. This gives the hills their terraced or balconied appearance. Hence the Spanish name "Balcones".
This property is owned by the Hindu temple of San Antonio. The priest has OK'd it for geocachers to come up to the coordinates and take pictures. Please be respectful of your surroundings and dress appropriately. There is a no trespassing sign at the entrance, but that doesn't apply to cachers who are here to see the Earthcache.
Wisconsin
Rock of Gibralter II
One set of stairs and some rocks, could be slippery if wet.
A tiny county park along Cottage Row in Fish Creek WI. The previous cache disappeared somehow. This one is placed more descreetly, and further removed from the neighboring residences on each side of the park. Please be descreet when opening the cache and replacing it. The cache is a flat tupperware container and contains only a logbook.The purpose of this cache is to lead GEOCACHERS to this beautiful small County Park.Proceed down the stairs to the shore of the lake and take in the view OF Green Bay from "THE ROCK OF GIBRALTER". After enjoying the view, turn around 180 degrees and locate the cache by the stairs.
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