I recently re-discovered a great way to add a new level of fun to my Southwest adventures: a high-tech treasure hunt. But don’t let the high-tech scare you off, if you fish, hike or generally go exploring in the Southwest (or anywhere else for that matter) you probably already have the equipment you need to add this activity to your Southwest outdoor adventures.

So what is it? Geocaching!

In a nutshell, Geocaching is a game played by adventure seekers all over the world. The rules are simple; Use a GPS receiver to locate containers called Geocaches, hidden outdoors and then log your finds and share your experiences online with the rest of the Geocaching community.

Sounds rather dull does it not? Thus the reason I re-discovered it! Geocaching it turns out is very addictive. I spent the majority of a very hot Arizona summer hiking all over desert parks, Phoenix Mountain preserves, urban parks, National Forests and even parking lots looking for these hidden treasures and found over 100 of them.

Some of my favorites include the cinder cone I climbed with my wife, daughter and Golden Retriever east of Flagstaff, where we learned about the caves at the top created by air bubbles in the lava called vesicles. These same caves were used by Sinaguan Indians about 800 years ago as storage areas with ruins and potsherds still present. The creek and park (Arizonan for meadow) with Elk present just east of Payson in Star Valley that I had to traverse in a light summer rain to get to the treasure.

A GPS receiver will generally locate your position via satellite within 20 feet of the cache container and then you have to hunt. Sometimes the cache hiding spot is obvious and sometimes it’s not. Each Geocache has a description which includes the size of the container and subtle hints in the title and description. If you are still stumped the Geocache listing also includes an additional encrypted hint that is easily decrypted with the click of the mouse or in the field with the standard encryption key each Geocache uses.

Geocaches come in a variety of containers, from standard Ammo cans to Tupperware. The most unique container I have found was a life size black rat that the head screwed off of. Inside the “neck” was the log you sign that shows you were there.

Geocaching is not just limited to southwest back roads and back country. In my Phoenix zip code there are close to 1800 Geocaches hidden in side yards, dirt lots, restaurant and grocery store parking lots and urban trail systems. I discovered via Geocaching, a Phoenix Mountain Preserve I didn’t know existed, Scarlett Canyon that had caches in shallow mine shafts, the middle of the desert and up a mountain that provided a strenuous but great hike, wonderful views and some serious boulder hopping just 5 miles from my house and all of it surrounded by houses.

With the Southwest’s unique geography (the Geo in Geocaching) you can hike or drive and discover new Southwest adventures and places to see just outside your house or hotel room. To learn more about Geocaching go to www.geocaching.com.