Parking on the road somewhere...just find a spot as there's inevitably a ton of people here. Oddly enough through I never seem them on the trail which is great. So Mount Bonnell is the spot to come and get above it all in Austin. Greta vista views of Lake Austin and downtown. Plenty of little side trails that lead to a rock outcropping to sit and watch the sunset, eat a snack, take photos, whatever! The paths and trails here are all well marked and easy to stay on. There are some cool stone and concrete areas where you can sit and eat and meet with larger groups. The stairs up to the top are a decent climb and you'll feel it for sure, but it's totally doable for just about anyone. Great spot and I have come here several times. I feel like this is another of those places that you have to go take people when they visit. read more

See all

today was my second time to be at covert park at mt bonnell...the last time being 4 years ago. this time we stayed longer...a few hours and just vegetated; it was awesome met and spoke w/some people from CA, other parts of TX and AL. it's beautiful from that high...you see million dollar homes all over...high and low that run along lake austin or in the hills, you can see the 360 bridge and DT austin from the top...its just wonderful highly recommend read more

What a fun stop! It only takes a few minutes to walk up the path to the top, but there are a few stunning views along the way. The view at the top is pretty much blocked by trees except toward the southeast, so that was a bit disappointing. It's a cool view of downtown too. We came at a pretty busy time - late morning on Saturday and one of the first cool days after record heat. Still easy to navigate the crowd and plenty of parking. If you can back into a spot, it might be easier to get out. Traffic is pretty light up there, though. read more

It has stairs on the way up to the mount.Please wear good sturdy shoes. This was my second time coming and I remembered the mount to be less dangerous. I nearly slipped on a rock because some of the rocks are slick. Also there was many rocks so you had to step on them. There are 2 seating benches other than that you can sit on the rocks. You must take a picture of the view. You must again wear sturdy mountain shoes or at least sneakers. The mosquitoes wasn't bad actually. There is a memorial on the mount I took a picture of. It's a nice view but gets kind of packed for this climate. There is free parking as well and if you follow the trail the opposite way of the stairs it's a good transition down back to the parking lot. Also there is a group of rocks that's supper nice and much safer for photos... read more

See all

The view from the top here was...pretty underwhelming to be honest. I was expecting a view of the city, or at least something more to look at other than a river and the houses along it. There seemed to be ample parking in the surrounding area of the main entrance and stairway - pretty full but there were people constantly arriving and leaving so I can't imagine it being a long wait even if it were crowded. I guess if you want a high viewing area in Austin, this would be it. The climb up the stairs is pretty manageable, I was just slightly winded going up at my normal pace, but I can imagine others needing to go at a slower pace. There were trails around the top, so it would be a nice spot to go for a quick hike. read more

Definitely recommended for anyone visiting Austin! It's completely free, you get a great view of the city and Colorado River, and the climb up the stairs is pretty quick. You might have to walk around a bit at the top to find the best spot for photos, but you should still be able to take photos without people in the background. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is a must visit for locals and visitors alike! The expansive views of the entire Austin area are worth the short hike up Mt Bonnell. Be sure to bring your camera and plenty of water. Lots of little spots to stop off and take in the magnetic scenery. read more

You don't have to take the stairs- I actually like the longer slower slope walk instead with all of its different outlooks. The surface is a little less even- so it's not an alternative for handicap purposes- just another option for getting to the top and seeing some great views along the way. There are a couple picnic tables if you feel like picnicking with people around you taking selfies with the view. The views across the Colorado river are best in the morning light and the views of downtown Austin are best in late afternoon or evening light. Either way you're going to get a beautiful view no matter what time of day you go- and during the weekday parking wasn't an issue at all. read more

See all

Gorgeous view. We brought our dog who had fun climbing on rocks. No water fountains, that I saw at least. A couple of picnic tables. Definitely recommend going if you like a good view. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place is just a mile from our home and we come often. Great place to take a very short hike and enjoy the views. Even our Scottie dog loves it! The Aries going to the top can be challenging to some but it wasn't hard for us at all. Our pup is four months old and he did great in the staircase. read more

See all

Let's see....102...103...steps? I lost count. It's really not much of a climb and the view is spectacular on a clear day or night. You will immediately see beautiful Lake Austin and to your right, the Pennybacker Bridge. We hit it on a very hazy day and later read that African Dust had invaded Austin. Yikes! There are several commemorative plaques at the foot of the steps detailing the history of Mount Bonnell. Be sure to take time to read them. "Big Foot" Wallace, a Texas Ranger, once hid in a cave in the area to escape American Indians after he had killed one. He stayed so long that his fiance eloped when he did not show for their wedding. Well, duh. And, just a note to those who smoke cigarettes: Don't be a butt and take your butts with you! read more

Mount Bonnell - Serene this morning. Even though we've been invaded by African dust. - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Mount Bonnell has such an awesome view. Took my dog here with me, and it was so worth it! There's always people here no matter the time. Parking isn't hard to find, but the drive here consists of curve and turns. When you get here, you have to climb a plethora of stairs, so that's the only downside, but when you get up, the view of the river is awesome. People are always taking pictures, playing their instruments, having a picnic, etc. This place is definitely a staple attraction if you come to Austin! One of the most touristy things to do! read more

Feel warm and affirmed as you bask in the glorious views of our fair city. Feel terror as you imagine your child plummeting over the edge of these no-joke cliffs. Feel a bit of the ole cardiovascular system kick in as you journey up the hill to the top of this "mountain" Imagine you are Frodo and you are simply walking into Mordor. Feel deep regret and question your life choices as you see all the spectacular houses, the likes of which you will never, ever be able to afford. Enjoy the fact that this incredible location is right in the center of town, and not an hour away in the Hill Country somewhere. read more

Visiting Austin? You must drop by Mount Bonnell (officially Covert Park). Live here and have never been? Tsk tsk, you'll have to turn in your Austinite card right now or get yourself over there as soon as you can. The visit to this historical site (the highest point in Austin, with a colorful history relayed on stone markers) will only take 10-15 minutes unless you plan to hang out and make a picnic of it. Why bother? Because you will get some of the best views available for the Austin area. Fill your memory store with an awesome sunrise or sunset here, or get out that smart phone and selfie away. Come at night and see the city lights sparkle or gaze at the twinkling heavens. From this lofty vantage point facing southeast, you take in a panorama of the downtown skyline. Turn west and see the beautiful Colorado River / Lake Austin with the Pennybacker Bridge, plus the Hill Country beyond. You can get the best views from the western ledge of the pergola overlook (careful, don't slip!), or while standing atop one of the concrete picnic tables facing town. There are a few short trails (most are unsanctioned) around the hill, or you can just stick to the big 106 step staircase. There's a rail in the center for a reason, so please stay to the right (it's just like on the freeway, people). Depending on when you're here, you may see some nutty athletes from local training groups running up the steep Mount Bonnell Road and continuing to jam straight up the park stairs -- it's known as a nice spot for an intense glutes workout. Classifying this tiny park as being for "hiking" is a bit of a stretch, though. If you come at night, you just may find some classic Austin hippies wearing tie-dye, keeping it weird & smokin' a bowl while taking in the view... just sayin'. Open 5am to 10pm. Street parking. BEWARE: The place is a hotspot for car burglary at all hours. You'll notice broken glass on the ground in all of the parking areas. Do not leave anything valuable in your car and do not place valuables under the seat before exiting your vehicle; the thieves are watching & waiting; they'll smash & grab and be gone in the 5 minutes it takes you to walk up the hill. Sadly, I know this from personal experience :-( Minus one star, since it's ridiculous that this is still a regular recurrence 20+ years after my car break-in. Get it together, APD! This spot is a tourist attraction that leaves a bad impression of our wonderful city. read more

I told myself I would just stick with reviewing restaurants on Yelp, but Mount Bonnell is still my favorite place in Austin, so I just have to give it these five stars. I can't believe the first time I was here was only last February. It's pretty funny actually, it was already past curfew on that particular visit, but the location is a different kind of special in the moonlight. No one believes that when I tell them these days to come after sunset for once. That night is still one of the fondest memories I have from all these years in Austin, and since then, I've walked up those 100 or so steps at least 25 more times. The mansions, the sunsets, the river, the picnics, the junkies hiding around.. it's truly one of the first places I would show anyone new to Austin. Mount Bonnell is packed during sunset as it's one of the best places to view one from around here, so you'll probably see plenty of cars around. Sometimes, you just need to look at the water for a bit and clear your head, and as far as Austin is concerned, this has to be one of the most beautiful places. I've came here for a million different reasons with a variety of people now, and even if it's just for ten minutes, it has always been worth it. read more

Mount Bonnell - Here for the millionth time in the past year - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Breathtaking is what I would describe Mount Bonnell! An extremely easy hike! Not even sure if this can be considered as a hiking spot. More like a view point! Probably 15 mins walk to the top! Tennis shoes are not required because I was able to walk around in slippers. However, I do highly recommend bringing bug spray! I left with like 8 mosquito bites! Yikes! Awesome view of downtown Austin, Lake Austin, and really rich and expensive homes! Come here on a date or in a group of friends. Dog friendly as well. My group and I came here and drank wine while waiting for the sun to set. A great way to relax and truly enjoy what's around you. - Highly recommend bringing bug spray or mosquito repellents. read more

See all

If you are looking for some great views within the city then Mount Bonnell is definitely a place to hit up. It is pretty easy to find and it is really a short stair climb up a hill. and BOOM - you have awesome views of the 360 bridge, Lake Austin and downtown Austin. Mount Bonnell is considered to be the highest point in Austin - 775ft. There are some cool stories behind Mount Bonnell. I suggest researching some before heading out and learn some of the history. You will see some informative information at the park. Mount Bonnell is located in Covert Park. Mount Bonnell is more of a tourist site than a hiking destination. People of all athletic abilities can likely handle Mount Bonnell. There are usually families, kids, old and young about. This is a great spot to bring out of town guests or for a quick outing with the family. read more

See all

It's the best place for a view of the Austin skyline, Lake Austin and the Pennybacker bridge, next visit i'll bring my better camera with a tripod. In the summer months i'd recommend going early to avoid excessive heat. read more

See all

We here we go, more tourist stuff. We arrived by car thank god we did not half to walk to Mt. Bonnell. The four of us waddled, climbed, skipped or dragged up the steps, we all counted the steps and got four different numbers, so there are about 100 to 107 steps or so (+ or - 10 should cover it). This climb for us old codgers is tough; I was close to death, heart pounding, heavy breathing, and legs wobbly, and sweat rolling down my head, bust my buttons, no running up that hill for me. It was hotter than three witch's tits; if I could find a witch with three tits I would test the theory. Any way after you are up there the view is great, even the waste treatment plant looks good. Worth the climb if you haven't been. When you arrive at the top slip through the bushes on the left and get to the open rock area the view is good from there. BTW: take lots of water in this heat! The trip down is much easier. Would I go back? Yes by helicopter next time. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Gorgeous place to take any visitors in Austin. Be ready for a lot of stairs up, but don't worry, there is a railing. Once you reach the peak, you are rewarded with beautiful views of downtown, Texas hill country, the penny baker bridge, and the focal point, the Colorado river! Lovely place to take pictures, have a picnic, or enjoy the sunset. Everyone I take there is wowed. Also, when you leave, stop by Mayfield Park at the bottom of the hill to check out the peacock preserve and beautiful gardens. Great little hour stop on a nice day. read more

Mount Bonnell - Gorgeous views - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

What is there not to like about this place? This place is iconic in Austin and worth checking out if you're in town and want to take cool pictures for the gram. I've been several times and I enjoy it every.single.time. You do have to climb up some steps (and it seems like it'll take forever to get to the top but it isn't so bad) but once you get to the top, prepare to have your mind blown. You can get a panoramic view of the Colorado River (it's so beautiful). Love the view & amazing pictures one can take when you come here. read more

This is one of my my favorite places in Austin. Located down a long and winding road, you can get a great view of Lake Austin, the Hill Country, the 360 Bridge, and, of course, the sunset. There's also a panoramic picture opportunity of the Austin skyline. It's all here, and it's just a staircase away. I recommend coming here to replace a happy hour during the week at some point, as weekends tend to be really crowded. Find an outcropping of rock, pop a squat, and enjoy the beauty with friends. Remember some comfortable walking shoes, your sunnies, and a camera/smart phone (for fab pics!). It never disappoints. You'll feel lucky to live in this city (or to be visiting), and you'll come back for more. read more

Mount Bonnell - Skyline view from the picnic table just south of the pavilion. - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

I have three words for you. BRING. BUG. SPRAY. For the love of all things not itchy, bring 3 cans with you. Now that that's cleared away, this is an awesome spot! It's not a 'hike' (although the out of shape part of me would beg to differ) so you don't need to throw on the boots and grab every water bottle you own. But it is a short and slightly strenuous walk up several stairs. Yeah, I'll admit I was a little out of breath when we got to the top, but like I said, I ain't exactly prepping for any Iron Man's anytime soon. You can easily tackle this in flip flops and shorts. The view is very majestic. We brought sandwiches and drinks up with us to relax and watch the sunset. You can do what everyone does at the top, oogle at all the $5 million homes below and hate the people who own them. It's great to take friends or family who are in town visiting, a short and sweet stop! read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

If I could give zero stars I would. It took us 18 minutes to do this and our car was broken into as well as another. Broken window glass EVERYWHERE!!! The police and car repair shop both said this happens ALL THE TIME! read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

There are so many reasons to go to Mt. Bonnell: * Casual hike * Family oriented * Nooks for romantic views * Picnic tables at the top * Beautiful views * Great place to bring visitors Been here so many times in all the years and never got sick of it. read more

See all

Don't believe the myth that the steps are so tough to climb... unless you're in a wheelchair. The top has it's rewarding view of the river and the lush greens around it. Watch your step, sneakers are best, nothing ope-toed on your feet. It isn't a lengthy or visually stimulating walk once atop the mount. It's more of a relaxed escape for a brief moment in life to look at how intricate yet how simple the beauty of this earth is. Someone like me, who enjoys a change of scenery as much as i enjoy to change the books i read doesn't last long up here. Take a few pics, deep breathing and careful stepping, then back to the city i love. read more

Mount Bonnell - phun daze - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Must visit if you live in Austin or visiting from out of town. Once you park, walk up the stairs and you will find yourself in front of the stone plaque. Go exploring to your left and your right or near the stone plaque. It has a great view of the Colorado River! I would recommend going an hour before sunset so you can have enough time to explore, chill, relax and watch the sunset. read more

See all

Not what I had imagined this view to be but it was worth the visit with my family for Mother's Day. Maybe we should've taken the other route to see the beautiful view that I saw in the pictures of this place but since my dad was with me, we had to take the easy route. The view that I saw was all fenced in with an ew looking rust and although the view was beautiful with the naked eye, not so beautiful looking with the camera lens. I will be back. And next time, I will take the other route and hike! I will update once I do :) read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

After parking, you have to walk up about one hundred steps to the top. There, you are greeted with great views of Lake Austin (Colorado River) and the 360 Bridge (Pennybacker). Downtown Austin is also visible in the distance to the South East. It's about five miles away. There is now some kind of structure (house?) on the southern edge of the park. In the past, you were able to walk in that direction, but now it's blocked off. There is a pavilion in the center of the park and a trail goes to the north. The park also provides great views of all the houses that I will never be able to afford! read more

See all

Takes about 110 steps to get to the top so it's a little workout but most people are able to make it to the top of this beautiful view! Highly recommend, especially at dawn or dusk. Parking is just on the street, but there is always open spaces. read more

Mount Bonnell - Mount Bonnell View - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Count them - 102 steps to the top! Mount Bonnell is a great place to take a date or visitors to Austin for picturesque views of downtown, Lake Austin and Pennybacker Bridge. Wear comfy shoes, bring your camera and a picnic or snack and enjoy the pavilion on top and the views. read more

Mount Bonnell - pavilion at the top - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

A hike for people who may not even enjoying hiking. To get to the top takes less than 10 min! No athleticism required. And the views of the Austin skyline and the river are so worth it. I'd recommend bringing some wine and cheese with your SO/friends and just enjoying the scenery and people watching. If you arrive near sunset you are very likely to see someone getting proposed to up here. It always warms my cold heart. :) read more

Mount Bonnell - Dat view - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place is OK. I love the views from here except the gate prevents exceptional views. I guess it's there for your safety. The grounds are uneven if you want to explore the area be sure to wear shoes not sandals. The steps going up to place is cool because you can use it as a work out, as I saw a group of girls doing abs at the bottom of the steps and then running up and down as part of some kind of bootcamp training. The best thing I would recommend is bringing some food or some drinks and just relax at the top. I guess that's why the fence is there because I did notice a good amount of tipsy people. It's there safety I would imagine. read more

This was one of the first places I came to when I visited Austin a few years ago. Now that I've moved to Austin, it has also become one of the first places I take visitors to. There are always people up here at all times of the day, though most people come around sunrise and sunset times. You can definitely consider this as one of Austin's tourist attractions. The view is gorgeous up here, especially during sunrise and sunset. If you go up through the stairs, you'll get to the pavilion which should be the highest point in Austin. There are many nooks/bumps along with side of the mountain slope where couples can sit for any romantic occasion. The night view is actually pretty cool as well. Many people bring food up here to have mini picnics around the area. Even though the place could get crowded at times, the view still makes it worth it to come up. I've never had any problems with parking either. You can often see photographers up here taking gorgeous pictures of the natury scene. I proposed to my girlfriend here as well. I did it right as it got dark after the sunset and I lit up the pavilion using self-made lanterns. read more

See all

I visited Mount Bonnell just before sunset on a clear December day. The view at the top was breathtaking and one of the best I've seen in Austin. Parking is hassle free, and the trail is well maintained and easy to walk. The hike is fairly easy, so people of all ages should be able to walk the stairs to the "summit." Highly recommended for a trip with friends and family or a romantic date. read more

Mount Bonnell - The best sunset view in Austin. - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Extremely disappointed. The view wasn't as spectacular as I had hoped. & we came for the sunset but we weren't able to see anything. The highlight of coming here was petting everyone's dogs.. read more

I love me some mount bonnell. Every time I come to visit Austin I try to make it up here. It has absolutely beautiful views no matter where you are on the trail. On our last visit I took my husband and two kids (4 and 2). I like that the steps aren't super tall so less mobile people are able to do it (my 2 year old was able to climb all of the steps by himself). If you do bring a young kid that likes to run off just be sure to watch them closely as there are large drop offs at the edge. Parking has never seemed to be a problem for me and it's completely free which is straight up my alley. The kids and ourselves loved exploring all he different paths and getting a good workout in before enjoying some hopdoddy burgers and beer. read more

Mount Bonnell - Views from the top of mount bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

PROS: + beautiful views, great for pictures + great for hiking + has little paths + great for picnicking (bring the tools) + stairs available + an Austin treasure & landmark - come think of it, a mount in the hill country? CONS: - not wheelchair accessible - ugly view on the other side (thanks to the huge bulky warehouse or something) - the pavilion on top reeked of urine? Vandalism? Somebody should get on top of the game. I would return to enjoy the great views. read more

Finally made it back here! After, what, ten years? Anyway, I felt obligated to bring the boyfriend here because he had never partaken in this touristy cliche. Never mind the fact that iPhone Maps slightly misled us (I know I know, I have Google Maps installed but it defaults to crappy iPhone one okay?!). We did eventually make it up here on a fairly scenic Friday afternoon and it's every bit as lovely as I remembered! Speaking of my sometimes unreliable memory - as far back as I can remember, I had to scale stairs to reach the summit, but now there seems to be a gradual incline - which I assume makes Bonnell more accessible for grandmas and woefully out of shape folks (I am one of these . . . or both? Just kidding . . .). Maybe the inclined pathway always existed and I just didn't know. You know, like UFOs . . . naw, they don't exist, I don't care what you say. So we decided to walk up the path - me in my un-cushioned flat sandals, oh boy what a treat as I could feel every single rock. The summit was fairly well-populated with a few families and tourists with cameras, posing, snapping photos, etc. I managed to squeeze through some moms to snap a few shots on this gloriously overcast day. So it's probably not much to marvel at if you've been to the Grand Canyon or any of those those high profile U.S. sites, but it's a wonderful view of Austin . . . and all the beautiful houses and properties you'll never be able to afford. Anyway, this is definitely a worthwhile stop for those of you who have never been and it's doable and leisurely for your young kiddos and grandparents. read more

See all

WHAT A VIEW it's a super easy walk/hike but the view and the payoff is unreal. Definitely recommend checking it out