See Hundreds of Hawks per hour at
Hawk Hill, Marin Headlands
The largest known flight of daytime raptors (hawks, falcons, vultures, merlins, etc.) in the U.S. takes place every autumn at Hawk Hill, the 920 foot peak on the Marin side the Golden Gate Bridge channel. It’s a fantastically beautiful place as well. See directions below and our Marin Headlands Map for exact location and Marin Headlands page for more pictures.
From September 10 to October 10 is the peak time when dozens to hundreds of birds of prey will cross every hour. It varies every year but they can often be seen from September through November. Best time for viewing is from 10 am from 2 pm on fog-free days. Bring your jacket since the weather can be nippy, binoculars, and bird field guide. Dogs on leash are allowed.
Approximately 30,000 birds of prey of 19 species fly across the Bay here every fall during their southern migration. These birds end up at Hawk Hill because they are funneled down the Marin Peninsula as they fly south … and Hawk Hill is the highest point above the shortest bay crossing around. Hawks prefer the shortest bay crossing possible because above large bodies of water they can’t find as many thermals to help them fly across.
Hawk Hill is only minutes from San Francisco, just across the Golden Gate Bridge. However, on weekends the traffic up there gets bad (sorry, didn’t used to be that way). Look at the map and figure out how to get on Conzelman Road, near the northwest end of Golden Gate Bridge. Drive up to the top of Conzelman Road and park at the top just before Conzelman becomes one-way. From here you will will need to walk through the tunnel (you’ll see it) and up to the top of Hawk Hill above the parking area. See the Marin Headlands Map and the Hawk Hill Trails Map.
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