Clearfield
Stargazing Guide.
Just 31 miles from the center of Clearfield, lies some of the region's best viewing at Winchester Park. We feature instrumented readings from Ruby Point to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Clearfield
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Winchester Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~31.0 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class A (Pristine). Use the instrumented 1 rating from Ruby Point as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Ogden Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Clearfield offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Clearfield is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the UT metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 1 skies found at Ruby Point.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Clearfield
Observation in Clearfield is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Southwest region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Clearfield Observers
If you're visiting Winchester Park, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in UT during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 1 at Ruby Point (82.7 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Clearfield
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. To get the most out of these verified spots, ensure your mobile reconnaissance kit is ready for Clearfield's local horizons.
Winchester Park
" Clearfield observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Equipment Logic: Small aperture telescopes are actually more resilient to localized heat currents than large ones on suburban nights. "
Stansbury Park Observatory Complex
" Clearfield observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Atmospheric Tip: Scintillation (star twinkling) is a sign of high-altitude turbulence. If stars are twinkling heavily, stick to low-magnification wide views. "
Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (SPOC)
" Heading out from Clearfield toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Salt Lake Community College
" A manageable drive from Clearfield, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
Willow Park
" Clearfield observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Thermal Mastery: Set your telescope out an hour early to allow the mirrors to reach 'thermal equilibrium' with the night air. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Clearfield
With a Bortle 1, Clearfield offers world-class visibility. Wait for astronomical twilight for peak contrast.
Sky Quality Reports for Clearfield
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Discover which telescopes can best cut through the remaining regional skyglow to see these scientific targets by viewing our gear recommendations.
Ruby Point
Fossil Butte NM
Local Relevance
Clearfield enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Ruby Point to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Smoke plume to west, some high cirrus, transparency fair. Second set best of night"
Timpooneke Road
Timpanogos Cave NM
Local Relevance
For observers in Clearfield, Timpooneke Road serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"This site provides an excellent regional monitoring location that includes views of the Greater Salt Lake City area and the Provo/Orem area. Skies were completely cloud free, but smoke and/or haze was easily visible on the horizon to the NW and SW. The lights of Provo/Orem and Lehi City were directly below and very bright. The lights of Provo/Orem were considerably brighter (cooler blue/white) than those in the Lehi City area. To the east, the skies were fairly dark and the observer was able to see stars to 6.2 magnitude. The Milky Way was visible but not much detail could be seen. The landscape of nearby Mt Timpanogos was completely illuminated by the sky glow and glare from the valley below."
Dark Sky Oasis near Clearfield
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for Clearfield residents.
Antelope Island State Park
The protected skies at Antelope Island State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Clearfield observing community.
4528 West 1700 South Syracuse, Utah 84075 USA
North Fork Park
Clearfield stargazers often look to North Fork Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
Weber County, Utah, USA
Astronomy Clubs for Clearfield
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Clearfield Nights
"For the extended excursion from Clearfield, prioritize "travel-ready" optics. A 4.5-inch reflector or 70mm refractor provides the perfect balance of discovery power and trunk-space efficiency."
The Clearfield Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Clearfield requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. Since Winchester Park offers a specific Class 1 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.