Absolutely beautiful! Short hike to such a beautiful scenery. My husband and I decided to check out while visiting austin and the atmosphere is just peaceful. I really like that I didn't have to climb far. Gave me Hollywood mountain vibes. This is a must see. read more

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Not a long hike, but very kid friendly (other than the sheer drops with no cable...). Beautiful views and it's great that it's so close. Fun to go up one side and down the other (one is a rocky path, the other a shaded stone staircase). Be nice if they cleaned up all the beer bottles, pop cans, cigarette butts, etc. - even nicer if the dregs that dump their trash there would just knock it off. read more

Mount Bonnell - Great views! - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Nice getaway from downtown...Definitely a must do for a 10-15 minute short hike and take in wonderful nature views and a selfie or group photo! Gravel paths so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. Would be a great romantic engagement proposal spot. Can get crowded on weekends. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The view is beautiful! Park on the side of the road with all of the other cars, and "hike" up the mountain. It's more of a climb up ~100 stairs than a hike. Keep walking down the path to see more of the view without trees getting in the way. read more

Mount Bonnell - cloudy day, but still beautiful view - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

What can I say about Mount Bonnell that has not already been said? This is one of the spots in Austin that you have to visit at least once. I was told the stairs were killer. We decided last minute to go Bonnell. I was wearing the wrong footwear. I felt somewhat embarrassed until I saw 20 other chicks in flats and even heels trying to negotiate the stairs and the rocky paths. Do not let the stairs keep you from visiting; it really is not that bad of a climb. It seemed to me to be nothing more than 2 or maybe 3 flights of stairs. Once you get to the top there is a main viewing area straight ahead and then two paths on the right and left sides. The view is great and be sure to take a camera so you can get some great pictures. This might also be a nice place to bring a little picnic lunch. This place is great I really enjoyed it and plan to visit again at Christmas time. I have a feeling the view of the lights will be amazing. read more

Please don't go at night. This night I went and me and about 5 others all got our car broken into and all of our belongings stolen. Great park during the daytime but at night there are no lights and no cameras. read more

I was done with work for the day and looking for something to do that didn't involve eating and shopping, so I was pleasantly surprised to find Mount Bonnell was a 15-minute drive from my hotel. Sunset was approaching, so I made my way over and knew I was in the right place when I spotted the rows of cars. The drive alone was so scenic and built up the anticipation to get to the top. Once you arrive, you climb some stone steps up. It's definitely not a formal hike and doesn't even require sneakers really, but it still feels like you've escaped the city. Other visitors had packed snacks and drinks, as there are a few tables (if you get lucky!). There are a couple of spots you can look out from, but otherwise there isn't a lot of climbing to do. I agree with other reviews -- wear insect repellent! Despite the bug bites, the stunning view was worth it. Although it's not a place to go and spend hours at, it's a nice place to unwind if you're in the area. read more

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

First stop on my weekend trip to Austin. It's a little ways out, but the drive isn't taxing. Look out for cyclist and cops on the way up. I'd only seen pictures from the top, so I didn't know what to expect. It was humid, wet and muddy from the rain and the Mosquitos were bad. Not the best day for a hike, but I was determined to scratch this off my list. Once you park, the entrance is to the far right. The gate was closed, so we had to walk around the side. Not sure why it was closed, but I love walking through puddles and tight spaces (not). There's a small picnic table to the right that almost makes it seem like there's more park area, but there's not. The walk up is very short, it may be 1/4 a mile (if that). There are several different points that offer great views of the river. They're actually better views than the actual top. Once you reach the top, there's a picnic table that overlooks Austin. You have to stand on the table in order to get the best view. This is a great activity for those who want to get a great view of Austin and it's beauty. I'd probably visit again during sunset for a relaxing evening. read more

Mount Bonnell - Friday, May 15, 2015 at 6:21pm - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Most beautiful view in the world! Going to the top of 100 steps is worth the climb and provides good exercise to boot!

Mount Bonnell is a great place to visit to see the sunset while in Austin. It's a very versatile place... good for couples (romantic) but also good for families or dogs (must be leashed). Views of the city as well as Lake Austin. Beautiful place. Can be very touristy though. read more

Pretty neat. Lost of tourists and rocky walkways. I recommend just using the stairs and not going up the gradual incline. Parking not too bad, climb not too bad either. Great subsets and view of downtown. Good place to take visitors, but not a good place to escape crowds. After all this is Austin. read more

Mount Bonnell - From the lower part - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

One of the best sunset Austin scenic overlooks I have found yet! I would hesitate to call this a hike for those of us out of town folk who come from places such as Seattle, and Switzerland, Mount Bonnell would just be called Bonnell Hill. This was definitely a popular spot, but thankfully found a place to park (and definitely took notice of the many vehicle theft warning signs). I came expecting to climb at least a bit, and only encountered several stairs or a gentle slop to walk up on the other side. At the top I was greeted by many others like myself seeking a beautiful fall sunset. Definitely not a spot to get away from it all, but thankfully the area is spread out with benches or ledges here and there to park and not feel like you are stuck in a crowd. The scenery really does take your breath away, and it reminds you of the beauty of Austin, and just how small your place might be compared to some of the lovely larger mansions in the area you are overlooking. Definitely a spot to take your out of town guests, and for those of us who might miss those mountain top peak experiences, this is the Austin as good as it gets equivalent. read more

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Wowza! This place is stunning. From the photos you would think it would be a giant, challenging hike, but really you're driving most of the way up the mountain. Parking was a little difficult (it's street parking, right off a narrow road, and we had a tough time pulling into the small spot) but once you park and climb the 100 or so stairs, the view from the top is MAGNIFICENT. Seriously, absolutely, definitely worth your time. It was very crowded when we visited (on a Saturday at dusk) so often we were battling crowds to get a good picture of the view, but that's to be expected in such a beautiful place. There are lots of interesting pathways to take, off the paved walkways, and once you make your way there you can feel more alone. Be sure to stay behind the ropes, though--wouldn't want to risk falling off the very steep cliffs! This is a great tourist attraction for anyone visiting Austin, a great place to go with a loved one or the whole family. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Checked in with the wrong account, "Beautiful view! I'm living it and Austin itself!!" Beautiful scenery honestly. I love all the pretty houses out close to the river. The clouds were out so we didn't get to see the sun actually set, but the sky looked beautiful still. Mother Nature will always make me happy. Had a little picnic as well while I was here, and it was like the cherry on top. Lots of people were here. There's different spots to sit and view the scenery so keep walking if there's people already sitting in areas or if you want more privacy. Of course pets are allowed! read more

Mount Bonnell - The view of the river with the sunset! - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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It was my alone trip to Austin. I wanted to see the view. Austin is beautiful place just out side of capitol. This place was short incline by steps but still gives you beautiful view...i wonder how it look like with sunset... read more

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If you're looking to go for a long hike, this probably isn't the best trail to come to. But if you're looking for an amazing hilltop view of Austin, then THIS is the place. I yelped many places and this one caught my eye merely because of the mesmerizing view. And you know what I got caught just lost in space, away from my phone and away from the world. If you need some time for yourself or want to share this with a special someone I recommend coming here. The stairs to get to the top were honestly the hardest part of the trail but it wasn't that bad, I just needed to drink a smidge of water. If you haven't seen this view come on down! read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Love living in Austin and being able to visit here regularly. I've been coming here for years and it's such a good place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Austin. Yesterday was my first time watching the sunrise here and it was beautiful. Definitely recommend! read more

Mount Bonnell - Mount Bonnell sunrise 08/12/2019 - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

VERY VERY easily hiking trail, and before you know it, you're at the highest point of Austin! We arrived around 9am on Saturday and there were still plenty of parking. Dog friendly, too!! Great view of the Colorado River and the gorgeous houses, or should I say Mansions, below! We were also lucky enough to catch a proposal up there :) read more

This place is really pretty to watch the sunset what made it even more beautiful was i went here with my wife. It's definitely not a hike it's just a short walk up some steps from the car park so don't let people saying its a hike put you off seeing this.highly recommend read more

Mount Bonnell - Sunset over the lake august 2014 - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I gotta say the views up here are wicked beautiful... could be such an amazing place. the little left turn around the blind corner is scary coming up and also walking around in the parking lot with my dog. There's teenagers constantly drinking and being obnoxious nearly every time I've come up to get some peace and quiet away from the main city. There's usually dog owners who are too lazy to throw their dog poop in the garbage can, so it's tied in bags just sitting on the side of the pathways. This is a trend all over Austin to just tie the poop up and leave it somewhere on the side. Why?! Just throw it away! It could really be such a great place if fellow humans weren't so inconsiderate. read more

Not a hike, only a 100 steps or so but great view! Come to checkout the river and view of the million dollar houses. I'd suggest bringing a picnic and eating lunch up here on a nice day. There are a few little paths to the left and right of the main area that give you different views. The left has a stone table and benches while the right has a very open view of the river and more house but there is no barrier. Do not let your dogs or kids loose at this area! read more

Mount Bonnell - Where the trail to the right will lead you - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Super easy walk up to see some phenomenal views. Plenty of parking and very easy to find the bottom of the steps. We went during sunset on a Sunday and had no issues with parking or making it up. Wasn't too crowded and we found at least three large areas to view the sunset over the water. It took less than ten minutes to climb up the stairs, while carrying a toddler in my arms. Views are spectacular, and I think this place would be enjoyable at more times than just during sunset. If I were local I could see myself coming here for a picnic or just to relax and take in the views. Add this to your list of places near downtown Austin to check out! read more

Great view, but only go if you're wanting to get your car broken into. I hid my purse and everything but still got our car broken into.

The view at Mount Bonnell is definitely breathtaking and beautiful. I would recommend anyone who is in Austin to go check out Mount Bonnell. However, mind you, it is NOT a hike. The entrance starts on the side of the road where there are tons of cars just parked on the side. You then go up a good amount of stairs and youre at the top and that's it. From there, you can go left or right to see different angles of the same view of the river and the houses. I would recommend going to the right and stopping to take some beautiful photos with the most perfect background. Definitely check it out but don't go expecting a hike. You honestly don't even need to wear sneakers. read more

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Great scenic hike with breathtaking views of lake Austin and downtown,fun and super easy

My boyfriend and I checked out this little hike on our weekend trip to Austin. It's a short trail up a staircase and you are at the top of Mt. Bonnell. There are several lookouts which give you many different perspectives on the city. You can see beautiful homes along the rolling hills, a view of the lake, and even the city skyline. Such a beautiful place to take a step back and enjoy the great weather! Parking is free and you can even have a little picnic at the tables available. I would highly recommend checking this place out if you are in the area! read more

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Beautiful way-up view of the Austin skyline. Short drive, short (but steep!) walk. Sit and enjoy. PS There's a view of a river which is called the Colorado outside of Austin (not to be confused with the BIG Colorado river) but which in Austin is called, varyingly, Lake Austin, Town Lake, and most popularly, Lady Bird Lake). read more

Beautiful spot, it was a little polluted with trash but other than that a very good spot. My girlfriend left her purse in the back of the car and some poor individual had the nerve to break my window and reach inside and take it, luckily it can be replaced. read more

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We went Friday evening for sunset, so I was concerned about parking. No need, there is plenty of parking and a lot of spots still available, even on a weekend at sunset. We went straight up the stairs (approximately 100 steps), walked around up there for a bit, then came down via the trail. I recorded our easy, loop walk at 0.6 miles with an elevation gain of 92 feet. The Austin skyline is to the left (when you get to the top) but by far the best views come when taking the trail back down. There are many areas along the trail that completely open up over the Colorado River making for some spectacular photo ops. There are a lot of people there, but it never felt crowded. I highly recommend Mount Bonnell - great payoff for a such an easy hike! read more

If you like hills and nice views this is the place for you. Don't let the name fool you; its only a few story climb up a rock staircase, or a more scenic climb up the dirt path which starts a block away. Easy enough that my grandma could make the trek, and a cool enough spot that one should visit if you are in town for a week or more. Its also a nice spot for a midway stop on a bike ride. MTB can make it up the path. road bike will have to walk. read more

Mount Bonnell - Lower ledge on dirt path - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Mount Bonnell was kind of disappointing. I'm sorry kids, but, it was. First of all, the "hike" is not bad at all. Seriously. Did I go up the wrong mount? You can either go up about 100 steps, or go up a trail, but it's not steep or strenuous. Yes, the view is really nice, but do people come here to see the view... or to gaze at all the mansions below? Because most people I saw were looking down at the houses, not out at the water. There are also a LOT of couples. Like just kind of... being couple-y. So if you're a single, bitter person, I definitely would sit this place out. Or bring tomatoes and throw them at the gross lip lockers. I don't know Mount Bonnell, I think you're nice, but I feel like there are better views out there somewhere. We'll see. Maybe we will meet again. read more

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If you've lived or visited in an other city (or state) that isn't flat, then this place gets 1 star. Sorry, but I was born and raised in Houston, which is even flatter, but I've lived in Washington, DC, the SF Bay area and visited countless nice viewpoints with my boo; She just loves to make me take nice romantic walks and views at sunset. If you're from Texas or Louisiana, then this place is friggen amazing! My boo and I were visiting Austin one summer on a whirlwind tour of my home state. It was super hot. The mercury was easily pushing close to 100 degrees and the humidity was so thick, it felt like being in a sauna. I searched on yelp for good views. Surely, TX hill country must have some good views, right? Things may be bigger in TX, but sadly the views aren't. We hiked up the 100 steps, and the heat and humidity makes it pretty unbearable, but once you get up to the top, we were left thinking, "that's it?" We found a kid at the top drawing in a sketch book and reflecting. He said, "it's amazing isn't it?" We both looked at each other like thinking the same thing, "meh." We didn't want to insult him, so we said "it's okay." He informed us of his of his North Louisiana roots and how this was the highest viewpoint he has ever seen. Mount Bonnell is okay, but being with my boo always makes things seem better. read more

It has a great view here but nothing much of a public restroom and not much of a natural hiking trail ... so minus one star! hehe read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Beautiful views, lots of different vantage points for photos, sitting and enjoying the view with a book, or having a picnic at one of the picnic tables. You can take the stairs, or the gradual climb up the side. Either way it's a good but quick trip to the top. read more

Easy hike on one long flight of stairs. We went up non stop for about 5 minutes. Leave your stroller at home, use your backpack carrier for your kid. Great view of the river. It's short so the turn over for the parking lot is fairly quick. read more

This place is amazing every time! Beautiful views and easy to get up and walk around. If you need a little place to hide and get away this is a perfect spot to do that! I can't wait to go back read more

You will not regret coming here!! Visited this hike in my first trip to Austin and it truly made the trip. Such beautiful views, so calm and peaceful and very dog friendly read more

Very nice view of Austin. Very scenic. Peaceful. Wear some comfy close for the stairs and trails. Yep stairs to get there is a nice little warm up exercise. lol. Charge your phone and be ready to snap away. read more

Most beautiful view in Austin. My husband and I decided to take a morning walk here with the perfect weather. I was shocked in how beautiful and CLEAN this area was. It was very peaceful and I enjoyed it! Oh and we didn't have to pay for PARKING! read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

My boyfriend and I went to Mount Bonnell this past Sunday afternoon and we climbed up on the non-stairs side (this side doesn't have as steep of an incline as the stairs). It doesn't take very long to get to the top and there is a great view of the river and the surrounding area. We saw some people who were having a picnic at the top - what a great idea. I imagine this would be a great place to come at sunrise/sunset. I would definitely come back here again. read more

Mount Bonnell - View of the Colorado river - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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