Exploring Hawk Hill: An Electric Bike Adventure

Cycling to Hawk Hill in the Bay Area is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. The 2.5-mile climb to the top of Hawk Hill is a challenge for cyclists of all abilities, with stunning views of the city and bridge as a reward. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cycle to Hawk Hill, including the best times to go and the route to take.

The route to Hawk Hill

After this, the climbing continues, though it is less steep, until you reach a roundabout (3.6 miles). At the roundabout, bear left and continue up. If you take the first exit, you will go down McCullough Road toward Bunker Road and back to Alexander Avenue. If you take the second exit, you continue up to the Marin Headlands.

Once you reach the top, you can either head back to your car or do the route again.

The climb to the top

If you're looking for the best time to climb to the top, mornings are best to avoid tourists wandering the bridge bike lane. However, if it's a clear day, right before sunset is spectacular, especially if you're going to do the backside.

The descent

As you begin your descent, the road ahead of you curves gently downwards, offering a lovely ride down to the parade grounds. From here, you can either head back to your car or repeat the route for another go. The descent is just as scenic as the climb, with city and bridge views to enjoy as you ride back down Conzelman Road. Take care to avoid tourist traffic, especially on weekends, as the bridge bike lane can get crowded with clueless tourists.

If you're looking for a more relaxed descent, consider heading down McCullough Road towards Bunker Road. This route takes you back to Alexander Avenue and towards US 101 through the tunnel. For those who want to extend their ride, continue around the roundabout and take the second exit to climb up to the Marin Headlands. This route offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge as you ride alongside it.

The best time to go

Hawk Hill is a 2.5-mile, 795-foot climb that can be started from Alexander Avenue, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The initial part of the climb is the steepest and toughest, so it's important to be warmed up before you start. The climb is in three sections: the first part takes you to a parking lot, from where you bear left up a steep pitch until you reach a stop sign. The second part of the climb continues up Conzelman Road, past fortifications overlooking the bridge, and turning west for a view of the Golden Gate. The final part of the climb takes you to a roundabout, where you bear left and continue up.

At the top of the stop sign, make a left and head up the hill. If you need a break, there is a rest area with a view. The climbing continues, although it is less steep, up to the roundabout. If you take the first exit of the roundabout, you will go down McCullough Road toward Bunker Road and back to Alexander Avenue. If you take the second exit, you will continue up to the Marin Headlands.

If you are planning to do the backside of Hawk Hill, it is recommended to head out on a weekday in the late afternoon. You can climb to the top, bomb the backside, and then chill at Battery Rathbone with a snack before taking Bunker Road back through the tunnel and crossing back over the bridge at dusk.

Where to park

If you're driving to Hawk Hill, there is easy parking if you've come from the north or south on Highway 101. Take the Alexander Avenue exit just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The initial doglegs under the bridge will take you to a parking lot. From there, bear left up a steep pitch until you reach the stop sign (2.8 miles).

At the top of the stop sign, make a left and head up the hill. The first part of this climb is the steepest and the toughest. Just keep going and if you need a break, take it to admire the view at the first rest area.

At the roundabout, bear left and head back down Conzelman, enjoying the city and bridge views while taking care to avoid tourist traffic. At the base, carefully turn left onto Alexander Ave, and go under Hwy. 101 and then turn left after the road cut onto Danes Drive; just before the tunnel make a hard right onto Bunker for a lovely, gently curving, descent down to the parade grounds.

If you're riding in the morning, you'll have the place more to yourself. But if it's a clear day, right before sunset is spectacular, especially if you're going to do the backside. Head out on a weekday in the late afternoon, climb to the top, bomb the backside, chill at Battery Rathbone with a snack, take Bunker Road back through the tunnel and cross back over the bridge at dusk.

Frequently asked questions