Grand Canyon HawkWatch, AZ

August 27 – November 5
Daily 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Weather Permitting

About the Site

Breathtaking canyon views are only made better by the site of migrating raptors. From our Grand Canyon HawkWatch you get the rare experience of looking down at the raptors as they fly below you. Three decades ago, birders along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon noticed these raptors migrating. As a result, HawkWatch International set up an official count site in the area in 1991 at Lipan Point and then at its current location, Yaki Point, in 1997.

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Long-term Raptor
Count Data

4,655

10-Year Average

4,757

Lifetime Average

109,410

Total Counted

FAQ’s

Why are you counting raptors?

HawkWatch International has monitored the fall migration of raptors at the Grand Canyon HawkWatch since 1991, beginning at Lipan Point and then moving to the current site at Yaki Point in 1997. HWI’s migration research led to Yaki and Lipan Points being identified in the Arizona Important Bird Area Program in 2002, a designation that was extended to the entire park in 2014.

The goal is to monitor long-term trends in populations of raptors using the southern portion of the Intermountain Flyway. Because raptors sit at the top of the food chain, they are more sensitive to environmental changes. This makes them excellent biological indicators of ecosystem health. Through migration counts at our network of sites, we’re able to keep a pulse on the health of raptor populations and our shared environment. In addition to conducting our own conservation work, we share our data with state and federal agencies to help guide their conservation efforts.

What will I see at the site?

The Grand Canyon HawkWatch regularly sees between 10,000 and 12,000 migrants of up to 19 raptor species making this one of the largest concentrations in the western United States and Canada. It is a wonderful site to see less common species like the California Condor and Zone-tailed Hawk.

How do I get to the site?

The Grand Canyon HawkWatch is located within Grand Canyon National Park.

To reach the site, take East Rim Drive (Hwy 64) from Desert View (east entrance of the South Rim) to Grand Canyon Village. During peak season, you will have to take the shuttle bus from the Visitor’s Center to the site. Buses come every 15 minutes. Look for the HawkWatch counters near the canyon rim.

Where should I stay when I visit the site?

There are many camping and lodging options within Grand Canyon National Park.

Do I need to register before I visit?

We ask that ONLY organized groups of more than 6 individuals register before coming. You can request a timeslot here: https://form.jotform.com/HawkWatchInternational/schedule-your-migration-visit

The Site at a Glance

Red-tailed Hawk Soars Through the Canyon

Our Partners

The Grand Canyon HawkWatch would not be possible without the support of our partners. Thank you for investing in long-term raptor research, education, and conservation.

Join our Community of Raptor Conservationists

Curious what the crew is up to? Have questions about the local weather or the recent flight? Join our community of raptor conservationists in the Friends of Grand Canyon Facebook Group!

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