Geocaching without a GPS. You can try it even though you don't have one!

Although geocaching involves trying to find caches or stashes of goodies with a GPS device using given coordinates, it is possible to do this without one.  Though it may be a bid more difficult.  I didn't have a GPS unit when I was first introduced to geocaching and yet that did not hold me back from trying it out. I found my first three caches without using a GPS device. 

How to do it


After logging into the geocaching.com web site, click on the Hide & Seek a Cache link, then enter your zip code or address to get your list of local caches.  Select a cache then click on it to get the details.  Next to the state or location of the cache which will appear under the coordinates, there will be a View Map link.  Click on this link and a Google maps screen will appear with your cache and all other caches in the local area.  To get an accurate fix on the cache, zoom the map in the the closest or next to the closest possible magnification.  What you want to try to do is get as close detail as possible that shows some nearby landmarks that you can easily locate while walking around.  If you zoom too close and get nothing but trees, then you need to back off of the magnification so that you can at least identify individual trees and their positions or buildings and other landmarks nearby the cache.  Once you are satisfied that you have gotten the ideal detail in the Google map, print it out along with the information about the cache and any hints you may want to know.

A sample Google map with a geocache location in the center of the map

Once you drive or walk to the cache site, look at your map printout and position yourself where you think the cache may be according to the landmarks on the map.  You won't have the luxury of pinpointing the location within a few feet like you would with a GPS, but after a little searching and using any hints or the name of the cache as clues, you should have some success.


Good luck and happy cache hunting!