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Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport is a small general aviation facility serving Calipatria, California, in the Imperial Valley region near the Salton Sea. Named after a local civic figure, it supports recreational flying, agricultural aviation, and occasional emergency operations. The airport sits in one of the lowest-elevation basins in North America, with the surrounding terrain well below sea level.
💡 Local Tip
Bring a camera and plan a short drive to the Salton Sea after your flight — the area's below-sea-level geography creates striking desert-scape vistas, and the nearby Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is located just outside Calipatria and is easiest reached by personal vehicle, as there is no public transit serving the field. The nearest major road is State Route 111, which connects to I-8 for travelers coming from San Diego or El Centro. Rental car services are not available on-site, so arranging ground transport in advance is recommended.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of aircraft use Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport?
A: Primarily small single-engine general aviation aircraft, agricultural spray planes, and occasional military training flights.
Q: Are there commercial airline services at CLR?
A: No, the airport does not offer scheduled commercial service and operates as a general aviation facility.
Q: Is the airport open to public pilots?
A: Yes, it is a public-use airport, though amenities are limited and pilots should check current field conditions before arrival.
Q: What is the airport's elevation?
A: The field sits well below sea level in the Imperial Valley, which is one of its distinctive geographic features.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 27, 2026 · MiniMax-M3