Hawk Hill Visitor Improvement Project

Locations of the three project phases. Phase 1 is complete and phase 2 is starting in spring 2021.

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 at least 2023, 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 augment visitor amenities as well as provide protection for unique habitat.

Lara Volski NPS

Phase III – Hilltop Rehabilitation

The final phase of the Project will focus on the hilltop: aging historic structures 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. NPS is investigating hazardous material clean-up alternatives at Hawk Hill pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or CERCLA. Clean-up actions at Hawk Hill will be completed as part of Phase 3; learn more about the Hawk Hill CERCLA process.