Things To Do
in Clearfield
Clearfield, Utah is a small, family-oriented city on the northern edge of the Salt Lake Valley, known for its close proximity to Hill Air Force Base and easy access to the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake. The town serves as a convenient base for outdoor activities — from Antelope Island and Willard Bay to nearby ski areas — while offering quiet neighborhoods, some local shops, and commuter rail connections into the Salt Lake City metro. Clearfield mixes suburban convenience with access to regional attractions like the Hill Aerospace Museum and Lagoon Amusement Park a short drive away.
Visitors should expect a largely car-dependent community with pockets of walkable downtown and riverfront/park spaces for recreation and photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, enjoying freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Afterward, stroll through the historic downtown area, where you can admire charming architecture and visit unique shops. Don't forget to stop by the Clearfield County Historical Society to learn about the rich history of the region.
For lunch, indulge in some classic American fare at a cozy diner known for its friendly service. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the nearby parks or visit the Clearfield Arts and Culture Center to appreciate local art exhibits. The afternoon is also perfect for exploring the local farmers market, where you can sample fresh produce and artisan goods.
As the sun sets, head to a local brewery for a tasting tour, where you can sample craft beers brewed on-site. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant offering farm-to-table cuisine, highlighting the best of local ingredients. Conclude the evening with a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, soaking in the tranquil views.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local eatery before heading to the nearby Moshannon State Forest. Spend the morning hiking one of the many scenic trails, where you can witness the vibrant fall foliage or spring blooms. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer and various bird species while you enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature, choosing a scenic spot in the forest. After your meal, continue exploring the area by visiting the nearby Parker Dam State Park, where you can hike, fish, or simply relax by the water. The afternoon is perfect for taking photographs of the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Return to Clearfield and unwind at a local restaurant known for its outdoor seating. Relish a dinner featuring grilled specialties while enjoying the warm evening breeze. If time permits, catch a local live music performance at a nearby venue for a taste of the local entertainment scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (restaurant/bar) | $5-8 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Great access to outdoor recreation (mountains and Great Salt Lake) within short drives.
- Family-friendly, quieter pace with easy access to regional attractions and museums.
- Convenient commuter rail and proximity to major highways for day trips.
- Relatively car-dependent with limited nightlife and dining variety in town itself.
- Summer can be hot and dry; winter weather can complicate mountain travel.
- Some attractions require a short drive; fewer walkable tourist zones compared with larger cities.
Places to Visit in Clearfield
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Great Salt Lake vistas, wide-open landscapes, bison herds, and dramatic sunsets reflected on shallow lake flats — excellent for sunrise/sunset and wildlife shots.
A quieter waterfront spot with marshes and longshore views, good for birding and reflections at golden hour.
Drive into the nearby foothills for sweeping mountain panoramas, wildflowers in late spring/early summer and snow-capped peaks in winter.
Well-preserved historic aircraft and exhibits that make for dramatic, structured shots — especially appealing to aviation photographers.
Calm water surfaces, local wildlife, and festive lighting during events, offering good variety for casual urban-nature photography.
Food in Clearfield
Clearfield Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A deep-fried bread often served with honey or savory toppings; find them at local fairs, some diners and seasonal markets.
Must-Try!
A local condiment (ketchup-mayo mix) paired with juicy regional burgers; available at many burger stands and family restaurants.
A cheesy potato casserole common across Utah, often featured on diner menus or served at community events.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A summer market with local produce, baked goods and prepared foods — a good spot to try regionally made jams, salsas and fresh fruit.
Nearby towns host larger farmers markets and occasional street-food events where you can sample BBQ, tacos and local baked items.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally friendly and polite; casual greetings, holding doors and small talk are common and appreciated.
With Hill Air Force Base nearby, showing respect for service members and security rules around military facilities is important.
Follow Leave No Trace on trails, obey posted signs in protected areas and wetlands, and keep a safe distance from wildlife (especially bison).
Safety
Tipping in Clearfield
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S.: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% for bar tab, $2–5 for hotel housekeeping per night, and 10–20% for taxi/rideshare drivers depending on service. Tip for good service; many employees rely on tips.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry small cash for tips, some small vendors or market stalls. ATMs are available but check fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and generally dry, with daytime highs often in the 80s–90s °F (upper 20s–mid 30s °C). Great for lake and outdoor activities; bring sun protection and plenty of water. Expect busy weekends at Antelope Island and state parks.
Crisp, pleasant weather with colorful foliage in the foothills and lower crowds — excellent hiking conditions and cooler evenings, layered clothing recommended.
Cold with regular snowfall in nearby mountains; Clearfield itself sees chilly temps and occasional snow — roads can be slick, skiing is available within 30–60 minutes at major resorts.
Variable weather with warming temps, potential spring storms and windy days; wildflowers bloom in the foothills late in the season and migratory birds return to wetlands.
Clearfield at Night
Hiking in Clearfield
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Island trails with panoramic Great Salt Lake views, wildlife (bison), and opportunities for short hikes or longer ridge routes; access via the causeway.
Popular canyon hike with seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers and moderate climbs — a good half-day outing for views and moderate exercise.
A long trail system along the foothills offering short or extended hikes with valley and mountain vistas; accessible from several trailheads.
Options for family hikes and steeper routes with scenic overlooks, especially attractive in spring and summer.
Airports
How to reach Clearfield by plane.
Primary airport serving the region (~25–35 miles south); major domestic and international flights with car rental, shuttle and public transit connections (FrontRunner + bus or rideshare).
A smaller regional airport to the north offering limited commercial and general aviation services; useful for some regional connections and private flights.
Smaller commercial airport to the south with some regional flights; convenient alternative depending on carrier and schedule.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households are family-oriented with suburban neighborhoods, parks and schools catering to children and family activities.
A notable population connected to Hill Air Force Base and related contractors, contributing to a steady, service-oriented community.
Commuters who travel to nearby employment centers (Layton, Ogden, Salt Lake City) and a mix of blue- and white-collar workers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Winter skiing is hugely popular regionally, with several major resorts within an hour's drive drawing residents and visitors alike.
Local high school sports are community focal points and widely attended; youth leagues are popular.
Many residents enjoy mountain biking and trail running in the Wasatch foothills and nearby trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Clearfield.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at cafes, many chain restaurants and some local eateries — look for salads, veggie burgers and grain bowls; larger nearby towns have dedicated vegetarian/vegan restaurants.
Vegan choices are more limited in Clearfield proper but increasing; check menus online or head to Salt Lake City/Layton for wider vegan offerings.
Most restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests (especially chains); bakeries and specialty shops in nearby cities serve gluten-free items — always notify staff about cross-contact.