Geocaching

Look for hidden geocaches on the Swaner Preserve. Outdoor fun for all ages!

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an outdoor adventure activity that uses GPS devices or smartphones to find hidden "caches" or containers at specific coordinates. These caches often contain logbooks/log sheets for finders to sign, and some may include small trinkets or educational materials.

At Swaner, geocaches are placed around the preserve to offer a fun and educational experience for visitors. Each cache has a theme that highlights an aspect of Swaner, encouraging participants to observe nature around them.

General Information

Available May - November (geocaches may be removed earlier or placed later based on snow coverage)
A fun activity for all ages. Beginners welcome!
Swaner's geocaches are ranked by degree of difficulty with "easy" rankings most appropriate for families with younger children.
There are seven caches hidden on the Preserve: three caches south of I-80 around the Swaner wetlands (outside Swaner's private property fence line), and four caches north of I-80 in the sagebrush uplands section of the Preserve.

What to Bring

Device to enter coordinates in (smartphone or GPS device)
Swag for trading: All small geocaches include swag that you can trade with an item you bring.

Acceptable items: toys, jewelry, stickers, charms, etc.
Non-acceptable items: food, scented items, explosives, ammunition, knives, drugs, alcohol, etc.

Policies

Please stick to the trails or bike path during your search even though the GPS will show the most direct route, guiding you straight to the cache. As long as you are going in the general direction, know that you will get to the cache without having to
walk through sensitive plant and wildlife habitat.
Be aware of plants and wildlife in the area and respect their space.
Obey signs that indicate sensitive nesting areas.
Be aware of other trail users. All geocaches are positioned slightly off-trail so geocachers will not be in the way of through traffic (i.e. mountain bikers, hikers, and other trail users).
Do not leave trash behind (Cache In, Trash Out).