Geocaching Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to successfully manage the popular activity of Geocaching within the Sacramento County Regional Parks system. The term Geocaching will be used generally to represent not only Geocaching, but also related, similar activities such as Letter Boxing.

Goal

The goal of this policy is to provide information and guidance to the public so that Geocaching activities can be enjoyed in a safe manner while protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources within the Sacramento County Regional Parks system. 

Participants are encouraged to practice the “Cache In Trash Out” (CITO) policy as described on the Geocache Website at http://www.geocaching.com.

Cache Placement

  • Use environmentally friendly behavior when placing and/or seeking a cache. This includes, but is not limited to, not causing damage to natural or geologic features, not bothering wildlife, staying on trails, not collecting naturally occurring items, or any other activity that could damage any natural resource. Please leave the area the same or better than it was when you arrived. 
  • Use all due caution when placing a cache. Caches should not be placed in areas that place a person in any danger. 
  • Placement of the cache shall not require any change to the natural environment such as digging. The person hiding a cache may use nearby items, such as rocks, to aid in concealing the cache, if the items are loose on the ground. 
  • Caches shall not be placed near or cause any travel near natural or historically sensitive areas.
  • Marks shall not be placed on any natural features to aid in the locating of a cache. 
  • Caches shall not be placed within any Park Structure or Facility. 
  • Caches shall not be attached to any historic or archaeological or geologic feature. 

Cache Containers

  • Containers shall be of a sturdy nature, so that the container itself and its contents are not destroyed and become merely litter.
  • Containers shall have the ability to be secured in a fashion that would not allow wildlife to gain access to the contents of the cache. 
  • Containers should be moderate in size. Containers shall not be larger than 8" X 12" X 4" in size. 
  • To the extent possible, containers shall be marked 'Geocache' and the name of the cache as it appears on the Geocaching website at: http://www.geocaching.com

Cache Contents

  • Contents shall be of a family-friendly nature, appropriate for all ages, and not be offensive to any group or individual. 
  • Contents shall not be perishable, such as food, etc. 
  • The cache should contain a logbook for finders of the cache to log their visit.

Geocaches will be allowed in the Sacramento County Regional Parks subject to the following provisions:

  • Follow all Sacramento County Regional Park Ordinances
  • People wishing to place a geocache or letterbox in a Sacramento County Regional Park must fill out a permit for geocache or letterbox placement. The permit will include the actual coordinates where the geocache/letterbox is to be placed, a description of the area where the geocache or letterbox will be placed, and the name of the geocache or letterbox as it will appear when published. Multi–stage geocaches or letterboxes will include the actual coordinates of all stages. Geocaches or Letterboxes placed without a permit will be removed.

Permits are available at the Ranger and Operations office, located at 4040 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, or can be downloaded.    

  • Geocaches or Letterboxes will not be allowed in Nature Study Areas, Open Space Preserves, or Historic/Cultural Resource Areas, where travel is permitted only on trails established by Sacramento County Regional Parks.
  • No digging of any kind will be allowed when placing geocaches or letterboxes because it disturbs the environment, may be a hazard to animals or humans, is unsightly, and may disturb an archeological site.
  • No hanging of geocaches or letterboxes in trees or bushes with fishing line, string, wire, etc. will be allowed, as it may entangle birds or other wildlife in the parks. 

Sacramento County Parks is an advocate of responsible outdoor recreation and recognizes the enjoyment, fun, and recreation associated with Geocaching. Sacramento County Parks retains the right to remove a cache that it feels is in an inappropriate location, is causing undue impact on the park resources, or for any reason is deemed inconsistent with the mission and/or statutes of the Sacramento County Regional Parks. 

If you have any questions concerning geocaching or letterboxing in the Sacramento County Regional Parks, you can contact Ranger Dispatch at 916-875-6672.