GeoCaching Las Vegas
Whether you are a local or a tourist, looking for something fun and different to do in Las Vegas, geocaching is a great choice. If you enjoy treasure hunting or going on scavenger hunts, you will love geocaching and it is something that can be done alone or with a group of people (which is always more fun). You can even enjoy the outdoor activity with the whole family and there are many hidden geocaches in Las Vegas, you just have to know where to look.
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is like modern “Letterboxing” since it is played with new online technology and the “Global Positioning System” (GPS). It is an outdoor activity sort of like hide the keys only instead of getting hotter or colder you have a tracking device to rely on that can help you pinpoint a geocache (cache) that has been hidden somewhere in the world.
The cache typically consists of a waterproof container with a logbook, a note showing the longitude and latitude coordinates of the actual cache location, and a small treasure inside usually of low value. However, it is not what you find; it’s how much fun you have looking for it that counts. Those who participate in the game are known as geocachers.
When Did Geocaching Start?
It all began on May 1st, 2000 when the GPS selective availability was turned off making it possible for everyone to enjoy an accuracy of 10 meters. Two days later on May 3rd, 2000 the first GPS assistance cache took place with the location noted on the Usenet newsgroup. The cache was found twice by May 6th, 2000 and it was logged once.
Today there are numerous websites devoted to the geocaching outdoor activity and more than 200,000 geocaches placed in many countries across the globe.
How Geocaches are placed
Geocaches are placed by geocachers who post details online that reveal the geocache’s coordinates. In turn, other geocachers will seek out the cache using handheld GPS receivers to locate the coordinates found online. Once the geocache is located, the person who found it will add a log to the logbook and record their findings online as well. The finder can take whatever objects they find and leave something of equal or higher value in its place for the next treasure hunter to find.
What Might you Find When Geocaching?
One thing to keep in mind when geocaching is that most treasures aren’t really high in value. Tiny geocaches are known as “micro-caches” and usually are so tiny all it contains is a paper log. Other caches may be placed in a large-sized bucket or other big containers. Some of the contents a geocacher may find are:
- Currency consisting of unusual coins or two dollar bills
- Small keepsakes like toys, keychains, or buttons
- Books
- CD’s
- Notes
- Pictures
In addition, some geocaches might be very easy to find where others are extremely hard to locate.
Best Places to Geocache in Las Vegas
If you are looking for some great places to geocache in Las Vegas, you came to the right place. The following is a list of some of the best geocaches to check out in the Las Vegas area…
1. Cool Canyon Cache
To find this cache you will have to take a short hike (about a half-mile) through a canyon with easy terrain where the walls are so close together you can actually stretch your arms out and touch both sides at the same time.
2. Keyhole Canyon Cache
This Canyon has a very easy terrain to follow and while there check out the actual Canyon up the hill.
3. NASA Tracking Station
Here you will find some awesome views to enjoy.
4. Sneaky Pete’s Permanent Address
This is one cache where the owners put in a lot of effort to put it together.
5. Cache With a View #2
Find this cache and you will see King Arthurs Castle, The Great Pyramids, and New York City’s Skyline all at once.
Conclusion
Whether you just want to go on an escape by yourself or with friends you will love to geocache. There are many spots to check out and so much to find you can’t help but have loads of fun. Geocache is similar to treasure hunts and used to be known as Letterboxing until GPS was introduced that can help you pinpoint a geocache with the coordinates posted online. There are many spots to go geocaching in Las Vegas, but there are also other places around the world for those who like to broaden their horizons.
