Hawk Hill Visitor Improvement Project

Locations of the three project phases. Phase 1 and Phase 2 are complete, and Phase 3 started in December 2024.

NPS

 

Restoration efforts to preserve native plants and stabilize key historic resources in 2011 set the stage for Hawk Hill’s current Visitor Improvement Project. The Project will continue through end of 2025, and has been 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.

 

Phase III will include rehabilitation of Battery Commander Station.

Tom Odgers NPS

Phase III – Hilltop Rehabilitation

Starting in winter 2024 and continuing through 2025, the final phase of the Project will focus on the hilltop: the aging historic Battery Commander Station will be rehabilitated, visitor access will be improved, and overlooks and seating will be replaced. The Project will add important safety features, such as new guard rails and curbs, and improved signage and fencing. New interpretive elements will share the site’s role in raptor migration, mission blue butterfly protection, and U.S. military history.

As a former military site, areas around Hawk Hill have contamination from past uses. This project will remediate hazardous materials such as lead paint on historic structures and in the surrounding soils in compliance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or CERCLA. Learn more about the Hawk Hill CERCLA process.

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

 

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

Gary Roth