The following information is for public lands within New Mexico where there are specific concerns relating to geocaching. This list is not all inclusive. Keep in mind that when selecting a location for a geocache (public or private), it is always up to the person placing the geocache to make sure that any necessary permission is obtained. Likewise, once a cache is published, it is the responsibility of the geocache owner to quickly respond to any issues that arise over the geocache placement. If you see errors or omissions, please contact me. Thanks!

Please visit the local county/city/municipality website for the area where you wish to hide a container for more information prior to placing your geocache.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Geocaching Guidelines

I hope you have previously read, and understand the Geocache Guidelines listed here, and also the specific information about placing your first geocache here. If not, please do so now. This may save us both time, and hassle later. Unfortunately, a significant number of new geocache submission denials are for guideline violations. It is essential that you have a clear understanding of the placement requirements. Additionally, you may also check out this Geocaching 101 page for more information.

Challenge Caches

Read the challenge guidelines HERE. Please add a reviewer note with 10 qualifiers (not including yourself) when submitting a challenge. Also, the guidelines state "Please do not submit a challenge cache in an area where a very similar or identical challenge cache already exists." We suggest similar challenges be separated by at least 30 miles (varies based on location/highway/rural).

We use a bronze/silver/gold standard for similar challenges in an area. The tier should be halved or doubled between the levels. Example: Bronze (complete the fizzy 2 times), Silver (complete the fizzy 4 times), Gold (complete the fizzy 8 times). Complete County and Jasmer Challenges we have opted for one per state, like other states and countries have done. Variants may be allowed depending on guidelines, and proximity to other challenges.

Event Stacking

Events should be a minimum of 25 miles OR two hours apart to publish. If one ends at 1pm, the other can start at 3pm.

Geocaching with Disabilities

I feel it is very important to help those with disabilities confidently attempt a geocache that is labelled correctly. Please only use the "1" terrain if someone in a wheelchair can get to ground zero, AND retrieve/replace the geocache, especially when they are by themselves. You can see this information here.

Little Free Libraries

Little Free Library hides are allowed, provided they follow these guidelines. The libraries are privately owned and usually on private property so permission must be obtained from the library owner. The cache page can use the term "Little Free Library," but should not promote the movement or include their website (for commercial guidelines). The logbook must be in a container, and not floating around inside the library.

Making Your Cache Page Stand Out

If you would like to know how to make your cache page stand out by adding an embedded picture or using HTML to change the way your text looks, then be sure to check out this article, and this article in the Help Center.

Night Caches

If UV/Paint is used, each spot must be marked as a PHYSICAL WAYPOINT. If you are using small fire tacks, they may be marked as VIRTUAL WAYPOINTS.

Playgrounds

Geocaching cannot be placed on playground equipment (or within 25 feet of the playground boundary). This is to prevent suspicious behavior close to children which have led to police being called.

Roundabout/Rotary

We've been asked to not publish caches inside of rotary/roundabouts unless there is a cross walk to the middle, and pedestrians can be expected there. This is for safety and not distracting drivers.

Schools

Caches will not be published on or near school property for the same reason as playgrounds. The distance from the school boundary will be a minimum of 150 feet, and possibly more depending on seeker visibility from the school.

Underground/Tunnel Crawl Caches

These are allowed, but require explicit permission from the governing authority of the tunnels.

Virtual Posted Coordinates

Generally, the posted coordinates for a puzzle cache or wherigo cache are virtual coordinates. They must not be placed in any restricted area. This helps avoid confrontations for new geocachers who may not understand what a virtual waypoint is.

Bear Canyon Scenic Easement

Physical geocaches are not permitted inside Bear Canyon Scenic Easement.

National Parks within New Mexico

Physical geocaches are not permitted inside National Parks, and National Monuments. Virtual caches and earthcaches require written permission (includes email) from a National Park Service employee.

New Mexico State Parks

New Mexico State Parks generally require a permit for the placing geocaches. Some of the State Parks prohibit physical geocaches altogether. If you are planning to place a geocache in a New Mexico State Park, contact the park office to find out the geocaching regulations/permitting process. Visit the New Mexico State Park Website for assistance in finding contact information.

When submitting a cache that is located in a New Mexico State Park, please include, in the reviewer note, the name, title, and contact information of the person who granted permission. State Parks: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/

New Mexico Tribal Lands

If you plan to submit a geocache that is located on New Mexico Tribal Lands, you must first receive permission from the proper authority. This website has some good information on New Mexico Tribes, including information on specific Tribal Councils.

New Mexico Wilderness Areas

Permission varies, please confirm with land management.