Hilltop trails and panoramic views at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Urban ParkGrasslandChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

March-May

Entrance Fee

$6 per vehicle parking

Hours

6:00 AM – Sunset daily

About This Location

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area occupies 401 acres of the Baldwin Hills in the heart of Los Angeles, providing an unexpected island of green in the urban landscape. The park's restored native habitat, fishing lake, and panoramic hilltop trails have recorded over 150 bird species, making it one of the best urban birding locations in central LA.

The park is particularly notable for raptors, with Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Cooper's Hawks nesting in the eucalyptus groves, and White-tailed Kites hunting over the grasslands. The small lake attracts herons and occasional migrant waterfowl, while the sage scrub and chaparral habitats host California Towhees, Wrentits, and migrant warblers. The hilltop viewpoints provide excellent hawk-watching vantage points.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/19/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/19/2026Village Green1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

6/18/2026SoFi Stadium (restricted access)1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/17/2026Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (salt pan)1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/17/2026Santa Ynez Canyon Trail, Los Angeles US-CA (34.0784,-118.5673)1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/17/2026Rio de Los Angeles State Park, Los Angeles US-CA 34.09831, -118.237651 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

6/15/2026Earl Canyon Mtwy2 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

6/15/20266227 Acacia Ave, Whittier US-CA 33.98552, -118.049251 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

6/14/2026Elysian Park--Radio Hill1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

46/19/2026

Western Gull

26/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/19/2026

American Crow

36/19/2026

Cliff Swallow

106/19/2026

Bushtit

256/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

46/19/2026

House Finch

16/19/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

26/19/2026

California Towhee

16/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/19/2026

Common Raven

36/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

506/19/2026

Heermann's Gull

106/19/2026

California Gull

26/19/2026

Snowy Egret

16/19/2026

Brown Pelican

206/19/2026

Mitred Parakeet

16/19/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/19/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

16/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    The hilltop trails offer the best raptor viewing, especially on clear mornings with thermals

  2. 2

    Check the fishing lake for herons, kingfishers, and visiting waterfowl

  3. 3

    Walk the native plant garden trails for close views of hummingbirds and scrub-dwelling species

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area for birding are March-May. The best seasons are Spring and Winter.
What birds can I see at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area include White-tailed Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Wrentit, California Towhee, Allen's Hummingbird. The area supports urban park, grassland, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area?
Birding at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area?
The entrance fee at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is $6 per vehicle parking. Hours: 6:00 AM – Sunset daily.
What amenities are available at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area?
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Picnic Areas.