Editing Geocaching (section)

==Geocaches==
[[File:Classic Geocache.jpg|thumb|A geocache consisting of an ammo can with various trade  items and a logbook]]
[[File:Contents of a Geocache.jpg|thumb|Contents of a geocache]]
[[File:A message from under the stone on the Hill of Fare - geograph.org.uk - 413840.jpg|thumb|An information card explaining geocaching to accidental discoverers]]
For the traditional geocache, a geocacher will place a waterproof container containing a log book, often also a pen and/or pencil and trade items or [[Travel Bug|trackables]], then record the cache's [[geographic coordinate system|coordinates]]. These coordinates, along with other details of the location, are posted on a listing site (see list of some sites below). Other geocachers obtain the coordinates from that listing site and seek out the cache using their handheld GPS receivers.<ref name="Thomas-2010"/> The finding geocachers record their exploits in the logbook and online, but then must return the cache to the same coordinates so that other geocachers may find it. Geocachers are free to take objects (except the logbook, pencil, or stamp) from the cache in exchange for leaving something of similar or higher value.<ref name="Countryfile Magazine-2015">{{cite web |url=http://www.countryfile.com/explore-countryside/beginners-guide-geocaching |title=The beginners' guide to geocaching |date=2015-02-12 |work=Countryfile Magazine |access-date=2016-01-22 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202015126/http://www.countryfile.com/explore-countryside/beginners-guide-geocaching |url-status=live}}</ref>

Typical cache "treasures", also known in the geocaching world as SWAG (a [[backronym]] of "stuff we all get"),<ref name="Geocaching">{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/about/glossary.aspx |title=Glossary of Terms |website=Geocaching.com |publisher=Groundspeak, Inc. |access-date=30 September 2015 |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001122949/https://www.geocaching.com/about/glossary.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Brigitte |date=2018-05-12 |title=The difference between SWAG and trackables |url=https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/05/the-difference-between-swag-and-trackables/ |access-date=2021-02-27 |website=Official Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206003927/https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2018/05/the-difference-between-swag-and-trackables/ |url-status=live}}</ref> are not high in monetary value but may hold personal value to the finder.<ref name="Countryfile Magazine-2015" /> Aside from the logbook, common cache contents are unusual [[coin]]s or [[currency]], small toys, ornamental buttons, CDs, or books. Although not required, many geocachers decide to leave behind signature items, such as personal [[geocoin]]s, pins, or craft items, to mark their presence at the cache location.<ref name="Geocaching" /> [[Disposable camera]]s are popular as they allow for anyone who found the cache to take a picture which can be developed and uploaded to a geocaching web site listed below.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sherman |first1=Erik |title=Geocaching hike and seek with your gps |date=2004 |publisher=APRESS |location=Berkeley |isbn=1-59059-122-4 |page=19 |edition=Steve Anglin}}<!--|access-date=23 February 2016--></ref> Also common are objects that are moved from cache to cache called "hitchhikers", such as [[Travel Bug]]s or geocoins, whose travels may be logged and followed online.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pokemon who? Richmond geocachers are the real life scavenger hunters |last=Ng |first=Hedy |newspaper=Richmond News |date=August 19, 2016 |url=https://www.richmond-news.com/weekly-feature-archive/pokemon-who-richmond-geocachers-are-the-real-life-scavenger-hunters-3037644 |access-date=2017-01-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107004900/http://www.richmond-news.com/news/weekly-feature/pokemon-who-richmond-geocachers-are-the-real-life-scavenger-hunters-1.2326716 |archive-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> Cachers who initially place a Travel Bug or Geocoin(s) often assign specific goals for their trackable items. Examples of goals are to be placed in a certain cache a long distance from home, or to travel to a certain country, or to travel faster and farther than other hitchhikers in a race. Less common trends are site-specific information pages about the historic significance of the site, types of trees, birds in the area or other such information. Higher-value items are occasionally included in geocaches as a reward for the First to Find (called "FTF"), or in locations which are harder to reach.

Dangerous or illegal items, including weapons and drugs, are not allowed and are specifically against the rules of most geocache listing sites. Food is also disallowed, even if sealed, as it is considered unhygienic and can attract animals.

If a geocache has been vandalized or stolen by a person who is not familiar with geocaching, it is said to have been "muggled".<ref>{{cite news |last=Griffin |first=Mary |date=2014-08-12 |title=Geocaching: Join the global treasure hunt this summer holidays |work=Coventry Telegraph |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/whats-on/whats-on-news/geocaching-join-global-treasure-hunt-7599519 |access-date=2020-05-12 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807043351/https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/whats-on/whats-on-news/geocaching-join-global-treasure-hunt-7599519 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Geocaching |title=Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site |url=https://www.geocaching.com/ |access-date=2021-02-27 |website=Geocaching |language=en |archive-date=December 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202192741/http://www.geocaching.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The term plays off the fact that those not familiar with geocaching are called "[[muggle]]s", a word borrowed from the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' series of books which were rising in popularity at the same time geocaching started.<ref name="Geocaching"/>

===Variations===
[[File:NASA geoart.jpg|thumb|Called GeoArt, these geocaches are placed to form a picture of the [[Space Shuttle]] lying on the [[Johnson Space Center]] in Houston, Texas.]]

Geocaches vary in size, difficulty, and location. Simple caches that are placed near a roadside are often called "drive-bys", "park 'n grabs" (PNGs), or "cache and dash". Geocaches may also be complex, involving lengthy searches, significant travel, or use of specialist equipment such as [[SCUBA diving]], [[kayaking]], or [[abseiling]]. Different geocaching websites list different variations per their own policies.

[[File:Geocache containers range.jpg|thumb|Geocaches come in a range of sizes. Top: a [[magnetic nano]] geocache in the [[City of London]].<br />
Bottom: a large bucket geocache in the [[Czech Republic]].]]
Container sizes range from ''nano'', particularly [[magnetic nano|''magnetic nanos'']], which can be smaller than the tip of a finger and have only enough room to store the log sheet, to 20-liter (5 gallon) buckets or even larger containers, such as entire trucks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2015/06/gigantesque-the-big-one-gc5q8n-geocache-of-the-week/ |title=gigantesque – The Big One (GC5Q8N) – Geocache of the Week |first=Derek |last=H |date=June 25, 2015 |access-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-date=June 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629234802/http://www.geocaching.com/blog/2015/06/gigantesque-the-big-one-gc5q8n-geocache-of-the-week/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The most common cache containers in rural areas are lunch-box-sized plastic storage containers or surplus military ammunition cans. [[Ammunition box|Ammo cans]] are considered the gold standard of containers because they are very sturdy, waterproof, animal- and fire-resistant, and relatively cheap, and have plenty of room for trade items. Smaller containers are more common in urban areas because they can be more easily hidden.

===Geocache types===
Over time many variations of geocaches have developed. Different platforms often have their own rules on which types are allowed or how they are classified. The following cache types are supported by geocaching.com.

====Traditional cache====
The simplest form of a geocache. It consists of a container with a log sheet, and is located at the posted coordinates. Cache containers come in many different sizes.<ref name="geo_types">{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/about/cache_types.aspx |title=Geocache types |website=geocaching.com |publisher=Groundspeak |access-date=2017-01-16 |archive-date=September 2, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902221910/http://www.geocaching.com/about/cache_types.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Night cache=====
These caches are intended to be found at night, usually by use of a UV torch.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=69 |title=Night and UV Caches |publisher=Groundspeak |access-date=2016-01-16 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031022237/https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=69 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Multi-cache====
These caches include at least one stage in addition to the physical final container with a log sheet. The posted coordinates for a multi-cache are the first stage. At each stage, the geocacher gathers information that leads them to the next stage or to the final container.<ref name="geo_types"/><ref name="Cache Parameters">{{cite web |url=http://wiki.opencaching.us/index.php/Cache_parameters |title=Cache Parameters |website=wiki.opencaching.us |publisher=Opencaching Network |access-date=2017-01-16 |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019010447/http://wiki.opencaching.us/index.php/Cache_parameters |url-status=live}}</ref> Multi-caches can consist of physical stages (i.e. the first stage contains coordinates for the next stage and so forth) or virtual stages (i.e. the first stage is a [[Commemorative plaque|historical marker]] where geocachers have to answer questions to calculate the coordinates to the final physical container).

====Mystery cache====
Also called a 'puzzle cache', players might need to solve a puzzle or bring a special tool to reveal the next waypoint or final coordinates. Most often, the final container is not at the posted coordinates which is noted in the cache description.<ref name="geo_types"/> Some puzzles can be easy and involve basic math [[operation (mathematics)|operations]] or they can be quite difficult, with some of the more challenging ones requiring a firm understanding of [[computer programming]]. Geocaching Toolbox, a website dedicated to create and solve puzzle geocaches, provides a comprehensive list of common puzzle cache ciphers.

There are also some subcategories of the mystery cache, which are normally listed as a Mystery Type, which are listed below.

=====Challenge cache=====
This requires a geocacher to complete a reasonably attainable geocaching-related task before being able to log the cache as a find online.<ref name=challenge>{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=206 |title=Challenge caches |website=geocaching.com |publisher=Groundspeak |access-date=2019-09-08 |archive-date=June 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622190335/https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=206 |url-status=live}}</ref> It does not restrict ''geocachers'' from finding the cache and signing the logbook at anytime. However a geocacher is not allowed to log a find on the geocaching website unless they qualify for the challenge specified in the cache description. Examples include finding a number of caches that meet a category, completing a number of cache finds within a period of time, or finding a cache for every calendar day.

Since 2017, Groundspeak has required new challenges to have a ''geochecker'' in which users can put their name into an algorithm to see if they qualify without the need of physically checking all of one's previous finds. These ''geocheckers'' can be requested using the ProjectGC forums where volunteers can write and create scripts for specific challenges.<ref>{{cite web |title=Challenge Checkers |url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=780 |website=www.geocaching.com |language=en}}</ref> Groundspeak also has been more strict into what types of challenges are published. For example, prior to 2017 it was possible to create a challenge cache to find 10 caches that have a food item in the title. Under current guidelines, this is no longer allowed because it restricts geocachers to find specific geocaches. Instead, Groundspeak has encouraged new challenges to be more creative. Acceptable challenges include finding caches in 10 states, finding 100 traditional geocaches, or finding 1000 geocaches with the "wheelchair accessible" attribute.<ref name=challenge />

=====Bonus cache=====
A bonus cache requires the finder to have found an amount of caches, usually in a specific series by the same hider, before finding the bonus cache. The cache can be any type, however a bonus cache cannot be required for a second bonus cache.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Marshall |first1=Lucy |date=January 6, 2025 |title=Geocaching Help Centre |url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=927 |access-date= |website=www.geocaching.com |language=en}}</ref>

=====Moving or travelling cache=====
These were found at a listed set of coordinates. The finder hides the cache in a different location, and updates the listing, essentially becoming the hider, and the next finder continues the cycle. This cache has been discontinued at geocaching.com and those that have been grandfathered in are solely declining and are being archived.<ref name="Cache Parameters"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=890 |title=The history of traveling caches |website=geocaching.com |access-date=2019-09-08 |publisher=Groundspeak |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804032603/https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=890 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Chirp cache=====
Also known as a '''wireless beacon cache'''. This is a [[Garmin]]-created innovative on multi-caches using wireless beacon technology. It is a physical game piece, about the size of a half dollar that can be hidden anywhere. Powered by a small battery, it is able to transmit a signal detectable on [[Garmin]] devices. The Chirp stores hints, multicache coordinates, counts visitors, and can confirm the cache is nearby.<ref>[http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/2010/10/garmin-chirp-brings-geocachers-even-more-creativity-connectivity.html Garmin chirp Brings Geocachers Even More Creativity, Connectivity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301003905/http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/2010/10/garmin-chirp-brings-geocachers-even-more-creativity-connectivity.html |date=March 1, 2012}}, published October 15, 2010</ref><ref>[https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=74811&pvID=75243 Garmin Chirp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302092159/https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=74811&pvID=75243 |date=March 2, 2013}}, retrieved January 13, 2013</ref> These caches caused considerable discussion and some controversy at Groundspeak, where they were ultimately given a new "attribute".<ref name="geo_types"/><ref>[http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=261919&st=150&p=4504653&#entry4504653 Garmin Chirp- Geocaching Beacon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722031318/http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=261919&st=150&p=4504653&#entry4504653 |date=July 22, 2013}}, retrieved January 13, 2013</ref> These types of geocaches can also be listed as a traditional, multi-cache, or letterbox. It is up to the cache owner to designated the cache type for wireless beacon caches.

====Geocaching HQ geocache (GCK25B)====
This is an official geocache located inside the Groundspeak headquarters office in [[Seattle, Washington]]. It is technically classified as a separate cache type under mystery caches, with its own unique icon both on the geocaching app and on one's profile statistics tab. Since publication in 2004, it has over 20,000 finds as of June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geocaching |title=GCK25B - Geocaching HQ |url=https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GCK25B_geocaching-headquarters |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=www.geocaching.com |language=en}}</ref>

====Wherigo cache====
A multi-stage cache hunt that uses a Wherigo "cartridge" to guide players to find a physical cache sometime during cartridge play, usually at the end. However, not all Wherigo cartridges incorporate geocaches into gameplay. Wherigo caches are unique to the geocaching.com website.<ref name="geo_types"/> Wherigo is a [[GPS]] location-aware software platform initially released in January 2008. Authors can develop self-enclosed story files (called "cartridges") that are read by the Wherigo player software, installed on either a GPS unit or smartphone. The player and story take advantage of the location information provided by the GPS to trigger in-game events, such as using a virtual object or interacting with characters. Completing an adventure can require reaching different locations and solving puzzles. Cartridges are coded in [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]].  Lua may be used directly, but a builder application is usually used. The Wherigo site<ref name="Wherigo website">{{cite web |url=https://www.wherigo.com/about.aspx |title=Wherigo > About the Wherigo Platform |work=Wherigo.com |publisher=[[Groundspeak]] |access-date=20 November 2011 |archive-date=February 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223020436/http://www.wherigo.com/about.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> offers a builder application and a database of adventures free for download, though the builder has remained in its Alpha version since its last release in May 2008.<ref name="builder">{{cite web |url=https://www.wherigo.com/builder/default.aspx |title=Wherigo Builder |work=Wherigo.com |publisher=[[Groundspeak]] |access-date=3 November 2013 |archive-date=February 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223074158/http://www.wherigo.com/builder/default.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>  The official player is only available for [[Pocket PC]].  A built-in player is available on [[Garmin]] Colorado and Oregon GPS models. The Wherigo Foundation<ref name="Wherigo Foundation">{{cite web |url=https://wherigofoundation.com/foundation/ |title=Wherigo Foundation |work=WherigoFoundation.com |publisher=WherigoFoundation |access-date=13 March 2014 |archive-date=February 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223074232/http://wherigofoundation.com/foundation/ |url-status=live}}</ref> was organized in December 2012.  The group is composed of all Wherigo application developers who, up until that time, had been acting and developing separately.  Their goal is to provide a consistent Wherigo experience across platforms, connect Wherigo applications via an [[API]], and add modern features to the Wherigo platform.  While Groundspeak is aware of this project, the company has yet to take a position.

=====Reverse Wherigo=====
An RWIG provides three lines of code composed of 9 digits each that a player can type into the RWIG cartridge. Instead of following a story or interacting with characters, and RWIG gives you the distance to the final cache, but not direction. It requires geocachers to get closer to the final geocache by process of elimination. Once you are within 25 metres, the final coordinates are given to provide a more accurate location for the geocache.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geocaching |title=Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site |url=https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC857WG |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=www.geocaching.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Letterbox hybrid====
This is a combination of a geocache and a [[Letterboxing (hobby)|letterbox]] in the same container. Letterboxes involve a rubber stamp and logbook that are not supposed to be traded and taken instead of tradable items, but letterbox hybrids may or may not include trade items. Letterboxers carry their own stamp with them, to stamp the letterbox's logbook and inversely stamp their personal logbook with the letterbox stamp. The letterbox hybrid cache contains the important materials for this.<ref name="geo_types"/><ref name="Cache Parameters"/> Typically, letterbox hybrid caches are not found at the given coordinates which only act as a starting location. Instead, a series of clues are given as to where to find the cache such as "take a left past the bridge" or "about 25 paces past the big oak tree".

====Project A.P.E. cache====
Also known as '''Ape caches''', these are a special type of traditional cache that were hidden in conjunction with [[20th Century Fox]] and Groundspeak to promote the 2001 remake of [[Planet of the Apes]]. There were 14 APE geocaches placed around the world and each one contained a prop from the film. As of 2023, only 2 APE caches are still active with one near [[Seattle, Washington]] ('Tunnel of Light', GC1169) and the other in [[Brazil]] ('Southern Bowl', GCC67). Of those two, the Brazil APE cache is the only surviving original APE cache because GC1169 was muggled in 2016. However, the original container was later found by a Groundspeak led survey in April of that year. What remains of "Tunnel of Light" is an "official" replacement of the original ammo can that was left in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Chris|last1=R |title=20 years of Project A.P.E. – Official Blog |url=https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2021/05/20-years-of-project-a-p-e/ |website=Geocaching official blog |access-date=3 August 2024 |date=25 May 2021}}</ref>

====Virtual cache====
[[File:Virtual Cache.JPG|thumb|A geocacher finding a virtual cache at [[McMurdo Station]], [[Antarctica]]]]

This cache type does not contain a physical logbook. They are normally hidden at a rather interesting or unique location, usually with a described object such as an art sculpture or a scenic lookout. Validation for finding a virtual cache generally requires one to email the cache hider with information such as a date or a name on a plaque, or to post a picture of oneself at the site with a GPS receiver in hand.<ref name="geo_types"/> As of 2005, new virtual caches are no longer allowed by Groundspeak as it is considered a legacy cache.<ref name="geocaching.com">[https://www.geocaching.com/play/guidelines Geocache Listing Requirements / Guidelines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112074007/http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx |date=January 12, 2013}}, retrieved January 12, 2013</ref>

On August 24, 2017, Groundspeak announced "Virtual Rewards", allowing 4000 new virtual caches to be placed during the following year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2017/08/virtual-rewards/ |title=Virtual Rewards |date=August 24, 2017 |publisher=geocaching.com |access-date=November 11, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112021540/https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2017/08/virtual-rewards/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Each year, eligible geocachers can opt-in to a drawing and some selected with the opportunity to submit a virtual cache for publication. From 2005 to 2017, the geocaching website no longer listed new caches without a physical container, including virtual and webcam caches (with the exception of earthcaches and events); however, older caches of these types have been [[grandfather clause|grandfathered]].

====EarthCache====
Similar to virtual geocaches, an Earth cache is published not by a local reviewer, but by a volunteer regional reviewer associated with the [[Geological Society of America]]. The geocacher usually has to perform a task which teaches an education lesson about the geology of the cache area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/fieldexp/EarthCache/home.aspx|title=EarthCache|website=Geological Society of America|access-date=2 October 2022}}</ref><ref name="geo_types"/> Visitors must answer geological questions to complete the cache which can be as simple as describing the color and thickness of layers in an [[outcrop]] or can be as complicated as taking measurements of stream velocities or fault offsets. Earthcaches covers geologic topics such as: [[petrology|rock formation]], [[mineralogy]], [[geophysics|earthquakes]], [[fluvial processes]], [[erosion]], [[volcanology]], and [[planetary science]] (among others).

====Locationless cache====
Otherwise known as a Reverse cache, a locationless cache is similar to a [[scavenger hunt]]. A description is given for something to find, such as a one-room schoolhouse, and the finder locates an example of this object. The finder records the location using their GPS receiver and often takes a picture at the location showing the named object with their GPS receiver. Typically others are not allowed to log that same location as a find.<ref name="geo_types"/>

Since 2005, all locationless caches have been archived and locked, meaning they are unable to be logged. However, with geocaching's 20th anniversary in 2020 Groundspeak decided to publish a special locationless cache for geocachers to "find" at various Mega- and Giga-Events around the world. The first locationless cache in 15 years (GC8FR0G) required finders to take a picture of themselves with the geocaching mascot, Signal the Frog, at Mega- and Giga-Events during 2020. The cache was made available to log starting 1 January 2020. However, because of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], nearly all planned Mega- and Giga-events were cancelled for the year, including the planned 20th anniversary celebration event in [[Seattle, Washington]]. Therefore, Groundspeak decided to extend the deadline to log this geocache through 1 January 2023. With 22,500 finds it is the second most logged geocache in history.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-11-14 |title=Two Locationless Caches end with 2022 – Official Blog |url=https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2022/11/two-locationless-caches-end-with-2022/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The second published locationless cache since 2005 (GC8NEAT) required visitors to take a photo of them picking up trash and cleaning up their local area.<ref name=":0" /> geocachers were able to log this cache from 6 February 2021 through 31 December 2022. It has been logged over 33,500 times and holds the title for the most "found" geocache. On 17 August 2022, Geocaching.com made available the third locationless cache to be logged since 2005 (GC9FAVE). Instead of finding Signal or picking up trash, this cache encouraged geocachers from around the world to share their favorite geocaching story. This geocache was archived and locked on 1 January 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-09 |title=Inside Geocaching HQ transcript (episode 57): New Locationless Cache – Official Blog |url=https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2022/08/new-locationless-cache/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=Show us what you discovered while geocaching! – Official Blog |url=https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2023/12/show-us-what-you-discovered-while-geocaching/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2025, Geocaching.com announced the fourth locationless cache since 2005 (GCA2025). In honor of the 25-th anniversary of geocaching, geocachers were encouraged to take a photo next to a pre-existing number 25.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-21 |title=Find “25” and celebrate the 25th anniversary with a new Locationless Cache! – Official Blog |url=https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2025/01/find-25-and-celebrate-the-25th-anniversary-with-a-new-locationless-cache/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>  

====Webcam cache====
A type of virtual cache whose coordinates provide the location to a public [[webcam]]. The finder is required to capture an image of themselves through the webcam for verification of the find.<ref name="geo_types"/> New webcam caches are no longer allowed by Groundspeak as it is a legacy cache.<ref name="geocaching.com"/> Webcam caches are a category at Waymarking.com.

====Adventure Lab====
A type of virtual cache that typically consists of a set of 5 waypoints, with each waypoint counting as a "cache find". The waypoints usually have an overall theme such showcasing the history of a small town and are often created as a walking tour of a city or park. An example would be [[Route 66]] or the [[Lincoln Highway]], which are a nationwide series of Adventure Lab sets of 10 that stretch the entire route across the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Geocaching adventure lab |url=https://www.geocaching.com/sites/adventure-lab/en/ |website=Geocaching.com |access-date=6 August 2024}}</ref>

Adventure labs were first introduced in 2014 as a way to test market ideas through Groundspeak. Initially, geocachers would find a key word at a designated site where they could then enter it onto a website to claim "credit". Soon after, they were made available to "find" at select Mega-Events. In 2020, Groundspeak released the "Adventure Lab" app, separate from the geocaching app. The app made it possible to enter a [[geo-fence]] when, once inside, a question will appear that can be answered either in the form of a written answer or a multiple choice answer. This question can be answered at anytime once activated, however, some Adventure Labs must be completed sequentially implying that one must answer the question to move on to the next waypoint.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

Many Adventure Labs caches have a physical bonus cache associated with them that are listed as a "mystery cache". Coordinates to the bonus cache, if applicable, can be seen in the journal entries once a user has correctly answered the question at a waypoint.

Geocachers can create their own Adventure Lab, but must first opt-in to receive an "Adventure Lab credit" which allows for the creation of 1 set of 5 waypoints, with each of the 5 waypoints counting towards a cache find. If selected, Adventure Labs can be created using the Adventure Lab builder.<ref>{{cite web |title=3.1. Who can create an Adventure|url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=143&pgid=949 |website=www.geocaching.com |access-date=6 August 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Adventure Labs, unlike all other geocaches, are not subject to review and are published at will by the creator. However, Adventure Labs can at anytime be archived by Groundspeak if they are in violation of terms of use. For example, placing an Adventure Lab in a place that requires people to pay a fee to visit such as airports or theme parks may get the Adventure permanently removed from the Adventure Lab app.<ref>{{cite web |title=3.3. Adventure Lab® guidelines
|url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=143&pgid=928 |website=www.geocaching.com |access-date=6 August 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

====Event caches====
There are several kinds of events geocaches. While encouraged, events do not require visitors to sign their name a logbook to prove they attended an event. Attendees of event caches can log that they 'attended', which will increment their number of found caches. Event caches can be of the following types:

*'''Event:''' An event cache is a gathering of local geocachers or geocaching organizations. The event cache page specifies a time for the event and provides coordinates to its location.<ref name="geo_types"/> Event caches have to be longer than 30 minutes, and can publish no less than 14 days away from the planned event date. Event caches typically last from 1 to 2 hours.
*{{anchor|CITO}}'''Cache-In Trash-Out Event (CITO):''' is an environmental initiative to clean up and preserve the natural areas that geocachers frequent. These events are gatherings of the geocaching community that can focus on services like litter clean-up, removal of invasive species, planting trees and vegetation, and trail building.<ref name="geo_types"/> CITO events must be no less than 2 hours long. Just like event caches, CITOs have to be published no less than 14 days prior to the date of the CITO. CITO typically last from 2 to 4 hours.
*'''Mega-Event:''' Just like an event cache, however it has to consist of 500 or more geocachers. Mega events are typically organized by a local geocache organizations in conjunction with local municipalities and promotion from Groundspeak. Often, mega events last an entire day and have various activities planned in the days before, during, and after the main Mega-Event. These activities can range in raffles and silent auctions, of which funds help offset the costs of organizing such an event, photo ops with Signal the Frog, a plethora of new geocaches, and panels with local geocachers, lackeys (Groundspeak employees), and reviewers. Mega-Events often have vendors where people can purchase geocoins, cache containers, and food.
*'''Giga-Event:''' Just like an event cache, however it has to consist of 5,000 or more geocachers. Like a Mega-Event, Giga-Events offer a plethora of actives and are typically held in large areas to accommodate such crowds. Activities typically include a GPS Adventures Maze, panels, vendors, live music, and carnival rides. Usually the week before and after are filled with smaller gatherings which attracts geocachers from around the world who often make a vacation out of it. Only one can happen at a time in the world.
*'''GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit:''' The GPS Adventures Maze is a traveling exhibit designed to teach people of all ages about GPS technology and geocaching through interactive science experiences. It may accompany a Mega- or Giga-Event. These "events" have their own cache type on geocaching.com and often include many non-geocachers.<ref name="geo_types"/>
*'''Community Celebration Event (CCE):''' A type of event that is meant to celebrate the 10th and 20th anniversary of geocaching. First issued in 2010 as "Lost and Found" events, geocachers could host one to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of geocaching. In preparation for the 20th anniversary in 2020, Lost and Found events were rebranded as Community Celebration Events. Geocachers could opt-in to receive a CCE credit to host. Due to the [[Covid-19 Pandemic]], Groundspeak allowed CCEs to be hosted until 31 December 2022. Geocaching HQ will be allowing geocachers to host CCEs in 2025, assuming they meet specific criteria.
*'''Geocaching HQ Block Party:''' Hosted at Geocaching HQ, a Geocaching HQ Block party is hosted at significant milestones for Geocaching's years of existence.