Hawk Hill Visitor Improvement Project

Locations of the three project phases. Phase 1 was completed in 2017, Phase 2 was completed in 2021, and Phase 3 was completed in 2025.

NPS

 

Restoration efforts to preserve native plants and stabilize key historic resources in 2011 set the stage for Hawk Hill’s Visitor Improvement Project. The project was divided into three phases:

 

Recontouring above Casemate 1 during Phase I.

GGNPC

Phase I - New Hilltop Trail

Completed in 2017, NPS trail crews replaced the existing Hawk Hill Trail with a new, accessible route to the top of Hawk Hill that included rest stops and overlooks. Habitat restoration reduced erosion, and informal foot-traffic trails were planted with native species. The area above Casemate 1 (one of two structures that house the historic gun pits) was recontoured and restored to native habitat.

 

One of Hawk Hill's two tunnels is visible in this photo.

Frank Schmidt NPS

Phase II – New Tunnel Loop Trail

Completed in 2021, Phase II focused on a new accessible Tunnel Loop Trail. The project improved segments of the Tunnel Loop Trail including the Battery Construction’s three tunnels, two enhanced overlooks at the casemates, and a trail connecting the casemates. Visitors may now enjoy sweeping views of the Point Bonita Lighthouse, the Pacific Ocean, and the Marin Headlands. New visitor amenities include vault toilets, seating, bike racks, and trash cans. Additionally, the unsafe historic air shaft and fuel tanks have been sealed and existing damaged railings were replaced.

 

Battery Commander Station before it was rehabilitated.

Tom Odgers NPS

Phase III – Hilltop Rehabilitation

Completed in 2025, the final phase of the Project focused on the hilltop: the aging historic Battery Commander Station was rehabilitated, visitor access improved, and overlooks and seating were replaced. The Project added important safety features, such as new guard rails, curbs, and fencing. New interpretive signs share the site’s role in raptor migration, mission blue butterfly protection, and U.S. military history.

A Centennial Act contribution and Partner match from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy funded most of the construction. Repair and rehabilitation funds were used for the rehabilitation of the Battery Commander Station.

 

Design concept of visitor seating and safety railings for Phase III of Hawk Hill Project.

Gary Roth

 

Path on top of Hawk Hill. March 2025

NPS

Pathways on top of Hawk Hill were improved in 2025.

 

Battery Commander Station undergoing rehabilitation.

NPS

Historic Battery Commander Station atop Hawk Hill undergoing rehabilitation in 2025.

 

Historic Battery Commander Station undergoing rehabilitation.

NPS

Historic Battery Commander Station undergoing rehabilitation on top of Hawk Hill in Marin Headlands.

 

Battery Commander Station after it was rehabilitated in 2025.

NPS

Battery Commander Station was rehabilitated in 2025. Eroded soil was replaced around base and rocks were replaced on roof to recreate historic appearance of the military structure.

 

New interpretive sign installed near rehabilitated Battery Commander Station at Hawk Hill.

NPS

 

Hawk Hill provides spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.

NPS