Geocache Rating System

Answer the following questions based on the most difficult parts of the cache:

Is specialized equipment required?
	No
	Yes
Specialized equipment includes: Boats, 4WD vehicles, rock climbing gear, SCUBA, etc.
Is an overnight stay likely?
	No
	Yes
Will it take more than a day to hike in, find the cache, and hike out again?
What is the length of the hike?
	Less than 1/2 mile Less than 1 km
	1/2 mile to 2 miles About 1 to 3 km
	2 miles to 10 miles About 3 to 16 km
	Over 10 miles Over 16 km
This is the length of the hike from the most logical parking area to the cache.
What is the trail like?
	Paved pathways Asphalt, concrete, or boardwalks.
	Well marked/defined hardpack Well packed dirt. You could ride a standard bicycle or push a stroller on this trail without too much effort.
	Other trail types Could be gravel, sand, mud, etc. May be an animal trail. If you're riding a bike, it had better be a mountain bike.
	Trail? What trail? There is no real trail. Wheels are out. May be following a stream bed or be very rocky.
How is the the most difficult part of the cache? If the cache is within a few feet of a trail, don't worry about the last few feet.
Is the path bushy or overgrown?
	Not at all There is no overgrowth at all.
	Some light overgrowth An adult could step over or around this.
	Yeah, it's pretty overgrown It's waist-high or so, or it may be thorny or have poison plants.
	The overgrowth is very heavy I can't see the other side! Some type of machete or other cutting device is probably needed. Very likely to have thorns or poison plants.
Overgrowth refers to any plant or other substance that impedes the path. Keep in mind that conditions change; rate based on your understanding of worst-case conditions.
What is the terrain elevation like?
	Basically flat Only slight elevation changes. Easy to do in a wheelchair, stroller, bike, etc.
	Some elevation changes Changes are slight enough that someone could ride a bike up such a slope.
	Steep elevation changes Change is steep. Probably could not ride a bike up this slope, but could push it up.
	Severe elevation changes The only way up the slope is to use your hands. Going down may require the use of your backside.
How hard is the steepest part of the cache?
How easy is it to find the cache?
	Cache is in plain sight or location is fairly obvious.
	Cache could be in one of several locations. Hunter may have to look for a while.
	Cache may be very well hidden, may be multi-leg, or may use clues to location.
	Cache likely requires special skills, knowledge, or in-depth preparation to find. May require multiple days or trips to find
	Finding this cache requires very specialized knowledge, skills, or equipment. This is a serious mental or physical challenge.
Please consider visibility, accessibility, and relative signal strength due to tree cover or other obstructions when answering this question.

This Geocache Rating System is based on the criteria discussed on the Geocaching message boards. Thanks to Scout, Markwell, and Brokenwing for their input, and thanks to Brokenwing for providing his rating system source to use as a base. For more geocaching utilities visit Clayjar.com.

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