Geocaching at State Parks
Geocaching is a game of hiding and seeking treasure that is enjoyed by thousands of people of all ages. It's the old-fashioned scavenger hunt, gone high tech. This adventure sport is one the whole family can enjoy at many Colorado State Parks. Geocaching is a great way to explore a new area, get more exercise and learn new skills.
Using a hand-held GPS (Global Positioning System), players use their eyes and hunting skills to search for hidden treasures. The rules of geocaching are simple: take something from the cache, leave something in the cache, and record it in the log book. Caches typically are filled with low-priced trinkets—toys, books and random souvenirs.
More Outdoor Recreation Information
Here are some steps to get you started on your geocaching adventure:
You can find geocache locations by visiting the official Geocaching site.
Once you locate a cache you would like to find, write down the coordinates of the cache location and also enter them into your GPS.
Before you leave on your hunt, make sure you have extra batteries, appropriate clothing, and food. Also bring a map and compass and check the geocaching terrain for difficulty ratings.
When you arrive at the park, use your GPS to find the cache. Before you start, mark your car as a waypoint to ensure your safe return.
Once you reach the coordinates, search the area for a cache. GPS accuracy will be limited to a 30-foot area. Remember that distances can be deceiving—a geocache can take longer to find depending on trails, rivers and other obstacles.
When you find the cache, take something from the container and leave something you've brought with you. Sign the logbook and return the container to its hiding spot for the next finder.
Tread lightly. Geocachers are encouraged to practice minimum impact behavior at all times.
Park visitors are asked to remain on designated trails. Geocachers must abide by all park rules and regulations, and display a valid daily or annual parks pass on vehicles entering the park.
Parks with Geocaches
Below is a list of state parks with caches, although there are likely many more places that have not been officially documented. Colorado Parks and Wildlife strives to provide outstanding outdoor recreation for visitors while preserving Colorado's natural resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of present and future generations.
Note: For detailed geocaching information about a specific park, please contact the park directly.
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Eldorado Canyon State Park (80025)
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Eleven Mile State Park (80827)
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Golden Gate Canyon State Park (80403)
Highline Lake State Park (81524): There are eleven caches located within the park! Some are fairly easy to find, but most are challenging. The park does not have loaner GPS units, so visitors will need to bring their own. Get in on the Geocaching Craze!
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Jackson Lake State Park (80649): There are two caches named "5 O'Clock Somewhere" and "Centennial."
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James M. Robb - Connected Lakes (81507), Corn Lake (81504), Fruita (81521), Island Acres (81526), State Wildlife Area (81503)
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John Martin Reservoir (81044): One of our local boy scouts has completed his Eagle Scout project by providing John Martin Reservoir State Park with a brand new geocaching program. Please check with staff to check out GPS units, and give finding the caches a shot!
Lathrop State Park (81089): There are five geocaches hidden throughout the park.
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Lory State Park (80512): There is one cache located within the park.
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Mancos State Park (81328)
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Mueller State Park (80814): Try your hand at Geocaching at Mueller State Park. There are 4 geocaches in the park.
Ridgway State Park (81432): There are four caches here—three are accessible only on a bike or by foot, and the other is accessible by a relatively easy drive, as well as on bicycle and foot.
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State Forest State Park (80480): There are 10 geocaches, five of which are all-season caches. It's a great place to test your treasure-hunting skills in the winter as well! GPS units are available to rent from the Moose Visitor Center.
Staunton State Park (80470): Come visit this impressive state park! There are currently twenty traditional and mystery geocaches, and one earth cache within Staunton State Park. Geocachers seeking to add new caches to the park will be assisted by park volunteers in order to gain Park Manager approval. Be sure to check the
Staunton State Park profile on www.geocaching.com to gain an understanding regarding how to incorporate proposed caches into the park' s mission.
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Steamboat Lake State Park (80428): We have several geocaches in the park!
Sylvan Lake State Park (81631): There is one cache hidden within park boundaries, as well as additional caches located in the surrounding forest.
Trinidad Lake State Park (81082) : There are 6 caches hidden in the park. The visitor center attendant can give you the general area where the cache is located and tell you whether you need to drive or hike there. GPS units are available for rent at the Visitor Center for a small fee. The Trinidad Geocaching page has travel bugs, Geocoins, a Geocaching brochure and more information.
Yampa River Headquarters (81639)
