Mount Bonnell offers panoramic views of the Colorado River that are absolutely breathtaking. This is one of the highest points in Austin, so you'll be able to catch a distant view of the Pennybacker Bridge at the top. The steps can be very slippery, so please proceed with caution. I have been about a half dozen times, and almost slipped once. I can be a bit clumsy, but hey, I wasn't the only one! I seen one lady almost wipe out half way up. Hold onto the railing on your way up, and wear shoes that have good tread. As somebody noted previously, this is not really a "hike" as much as it is a quick stroll once you reach the top. Parking is limited. read more

As I walk up the 102 steps to get to the top I can't help singing this part of the song to myself. And as we wind on down the road Our shadows taller than our soul There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show How everything still turns to gold And if you listen very hard The truth will come to you at last When all are one and one is all To be a rock and not to roll And she's buying a stairway To heaven... Its a great place to think read more

This is a definitely a must-do if you are in Austin. Great views of the city and the lake below. We went in the middle of the day, so plenty of parking can be found. I noticed that a lot of people brought food up there for picnics and there are plenty of tables you can eat at. The stairs leading to the top wasn't too bad, but you have to be careful because they are a little slippery. Beautiful place to watch the sunrise and sunset. read more

Nice view! I walked up the one hundred or so stairs at Mount Bonnell over the holidays to see what everyone was raving about. Unfortunately, I was too early for sunset, so I'll have to go back and check that out, but in the afternoon there's a still lovely view of the lake, the bridge, and some magnificent homes. There were quite a few people at the top of the stairs, but I walked down the trail to the right and felt very secluded (in a good way). I was a little bit disgusted and disappointed by the amount of litter I saw just over the ledge. When we have such a great natural area, I don't know why people would want to defile it like that. The drop-off is pretty steep though, so I can understand why it would be hard to clean up. read more

Since everybody wants to do Mt Bonnell today, I'll give an older fart prospective on this thing. Back in the day ( sounds like your father Huh) say 1969 or so, 2222 two lanes, people in Austin screaming about devlopers ruining the view and landscape, I found Mt. bonnell a romantic cool place to go out to and maybe almost get in trouble. Believe it or not, there were a few nights with no other people there. Now, to me, it is just an elevated point with a crowd looking at the city lights. That's not a bad thing, just not my thing. Somebody please go count those stairs, there used to be 102. read more

This is a beautiful place to spend quality time. Can't beat the views on a sunny day and breath in the fresh air. Loved it and will definitely come back read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is supposedly Austin highest point....... and after visiting I don't really see the point. Lets start out from saying that I came from Salt Lake City (elevation 4,500 feet), the view out my front door was pretty incredible...... and much better than Mt. Bonnell. When you come from a city that has great views at every street corner, its hard to be amazed by anything else. Mt. Bonnell was interesting, but its nothing to write home about. I was excited to get a great view of Downtown, but I could hardly see it. If you want the best view of downtown drive down 360, or go stand in Barton Creek Mall parking lot. I don't think I will ever visit again...... It gets two stars because I enjoyed sliding down the giant banister on the stairs. read more

Once you climb to the top, you realize it was well worth the effort. If you have trouble seeing in the dark and still want to watch the sunset, bring a flashlight. We learned the hard way that lighting is scarce and cell phones aren't adequate to determine footing. Up on top, the view is tremendous. Of course, there's a few million dollar homes in the way, but just seeing the tranquility of the water and the vast expanse of sunsetty views just makes the warm and fuzzies come out in abundance. I think this is 100% a great spot for bringing a date to bump up your relationship to the next level. Even during the day, the grounds are fun to explore. Just always be careful and aware of where you're stepping so you don't fall off a cliff. It wasn't formally known as Antoinette's Leap for nothin'. Also, bet you didn't know it is Austin's oldest inactive/extinct volcano, didja? read more

how can you dislike a nice view, especially when it's free? Some friends and I went there during the middle of the day. Though I hear the view is even nicer at daybreak or at sunset, it was still a really pretty sight! It overlooks the river and a bevy of mansions below. It's nice and serene; and since serene is a word I wouldn't normally use to describe Austin (as great and cool as it is), Mt. Bonnell was especially appreciated. Place makes for great picture taking/instagram-ing. Just a warning: I don't know why this is, but the rock stairs going up to the lookout point are pretty slippery. It was a hot sunny day, but the stairs were slick as though it were raining. So be careful when going up/down. read more

It is beautiful place.the road to it along is mesmerizing.beautiful roadside.you have to do a little hike to see the view,wear comfy clothes,good sneakers, have your water and you are all ready. Beautiful view and surrounding area..though I felt envy to the house owners for having such beautiful houses beside lakeside.. read more

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Mount Bonnell is about a fifteen minute, pleasant up-hill walk from my dad's, so I go there very often. In the warm months I take a cold drink, a friend, a book or my iPod, lay in the sun and just relax. When it's not quite as hot I like to walk around a bit more. Mt. B is very scenic, peaceful, and a great place to stop by, even if briefly, to chill out and see firsthand how beautiful and cool Austin is. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

We went on an excursion to Mt. Bonnell this evening after dark. The view really was lovely. I definitely want to return for a sunset. Mt. Bonnell seems to be a popular hang out spot for high schoolers wanting to get their drink and/or mack on. If this doesn't turn you off, you should come on out. It's definitely worth the climb up the 100 stairs. There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the city lights, cell phone towers, and kazillion dollar lake homes. And it was indeed romantic. read more

All right, I will be the first to give it less than 5 stars. I only wish those 100 (or was it 99?) steps kept most people from going up there, but Austin's a town of agile folks. It's a good place to take your out-of-town relatives for a view of Lake Austin and the sunset, but I don't really consider it a romantic place. First of all, I don't see what's romantic about sharing a view with a whole bunch of people. Every time I've gone, the place is just crowded with picnickers, camera-wielders, and families. Also, I don't see what's romantic about gazing down upon these grandiose Westlake homes. Then again, my idea of romantic is in the middle-of-nowhere West Texas, in total seclusion, with a gigantic sky of stars above. read more

Austin's highest point. Big deal. The short but significant walk to the top is a good spurt of energy to get you excited about the view, but once you get there, it's kind of a clusterfuck with zero vantage point to really see over or past the trees that frame it. Why they can't build a tower here to make it an actual vista for unobstructive viewing... Also, the focus seems to be on people who have lots more money than you do with the 4-6 million dollar homes below. Thanks for reminding me. On a clear day, you can crane your neck or stand on the stone blocks to get a great view, but its framed in a weird way. I never quite got it here. Eh. ps I've walked up here 4 times with someone, and I can't stand him read more

I don't know anywhere else you can get views like this -- I don't think there's more I can add to anyone else's, except that for the first time this weekend, we took a couple of our friends here *at night* and it was *beautiful*! Even though it was rainy and cold, and dark & we totally coulda slipped on those stairs & I was afraid our visitors might sue us :D But the view of the downtown skyline at night -- man. I always think the skyline looks *tinny* (yes, 2 n's) b/c I'm used to Houston's -- but the Frost Tower, surrounded by other shorter but well-lit bldgs, set off to the right of the UT Tower at this particular vantage point -- offset by the right clouds, it was beautiful. (And this is night proper, not even sunset.) Also, another friend of mine got married here back in August -- we chose to move the party to the outcrop of rocks + the gravel plateau, and the pictures from the ceremony, with nothiing but sky + lake as the backdrop -- gorgeous. read more

Beautiful spot with a lovely view, so much so that I hesitate to even leave this review for fear that it will become even more overcrowded than it already is :) Parking is the only problem, that and driving up the windy road. But it is a must see, at least once, for all Austinites and visitors. read more

Love this place the top is amazing the kids love it! We go every year for my kids birthday or our anniversary. Totally recommend it for kids n family of all ages the view is amazing read more

Easy hike for an amazing view. The parking is easy and available. People were there to take photos and just spend some time enjoying being outdoors. It is not a huge trail nor is it difficult to climb a few stairs to see Austin. read more

OK, maybe my birthday wasn't the ideal sunset day (full moon was coming two days later), but there was still a decent (noisy) crowd. I'm not one to like to stare at rich people's houses unless I'm there TO stare at rich people's houses, so that was more of a distraction than anything else. Regardless, it is a cool, wide vista that's worth gazing at for a while, and I do love my gazing. I just don't know if I would go back and try to be romantic about it. I giggled at the groups that brought wine and were trying to sit and do their thing as this mom kept loudly asking her son, "Gots to make a poo? Gots to make a poo?" read more

I have always been grateful to live in Austin. I grew up near Houston (where things aren't nearly as green), and since coming out here I've soaked up every bit of this Texas Hill Country scenery. There is no better seat in the city than on top of Mt. Bonnell. Located up in a beautiful, and twisty roaded neighborhood (be careful), the entrance to trail is located right off the street. Parking tends to be tricky a lot of the time, as it is limited, and there's always a large group of people who had the same idea that you did. After a brief (and minimally strenuous) stair climb, the summit view is breathtaking. You get a bird's eye view of the downtown Austin skyline, Lady Bird Lake, and some of the most gorgeous homes around nestled in the hills of Austin. I can imagine that watching the 4th of July Fireworks show is awesome from this location. The next time you have the chance to watch the sunset from the top of Mt. Bonnell, do so. It's a great place for a picnic, sightseeing, or just getting some fresh and a dose of nature. read more

Another right of passage in Austin. This is a must do! When you park your car, don't leave valuables in an unlocked car (of course). The hike is pleasant, but can be made more difficult with a faster pace. Have good sneakers or boots or you will pay going down. Carry some water with you. If you end up not using it all, save some for the downhill and give the rest to someone who did not bring enough. The views of Austin are fabulous! One problem with taking pictures is that regular cameras are not big enough! If you have a fancy new one, or a smart phone, you may be able to take a panorama shot. read more

Good view of the lake, a tower farm, and in the distance you can see downtown Austin. Great place to pickup To-Go and have a picnic - please throw away your trash though. The usual entrance is the 100 or so stairs, but if you drive a little past that there is a second entrance. The second entrance doesn't have you hiking up stairs but you'll walk a little longer to reach the top. Bring a camera. After you visit Mt. Bonnell go visit Mayfield Park and Preserve (peacocks!) read more

If I need to sit and think, or commune with nature without leaving the city or going to the Greenbelt, I go to Mt. Bonnell. So all y'all bitchin that it isn't as beautiful as the Grand Canyon, Pike's Peak, or the summit of Mt. Everest, well no shit. We're in AUSTIN. So don't go back there. Then I can have my quiet time in relative peace. Even though I'm a bit peeved right now at the people who dare to degrade my beloved chill spot, I'll let you in on a tip: the best time I find to be there is around 3 or 4 am, after a lil' drinky-drink. When the moon is full and bright. You can see pretty reflections off the river and city lights, but not all the big houses that can get in the way of a nature experience. You may get caught and ticketed by police, but hey. That's part of the fun! This should be a no-brainer but if you go, please don't leave any trash/ beer cans behind. It's starting to pile up here and there. read more

Everyone must come here at least once in their lifetime. However, please take your inhaler if you're not in great shape...those stairs leading to the top will KICK YO ASS! It's well worth it, though, for the spectacular view! I would love to come here and make-out but there are far too many people to do that, unless you're into that kind of thing. I debated subtracting a star for the late night hours that it's off-limits (they will ticket you and kick you out!) but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. read more

Went there to do a sunset photo shoot . We walked up to the top, which is a decent walk up on a gradual incline . Not too bad, but need to wear comfortable shoes. There's a constant flux of people so you need to mark your spot and set your tripod and camera in place. And STAY PUT!! The sunset was beautiful but only lasted a minute so got in a few shots only. Waited another 30-40 minutes for the skies to change color. And it didn't disappoint. Bring a flashlight or use your phone as it gets dark at night while walking downhill. read more

It was a Saturday morning and I thought I would do something different. There weren't that many people there. Then again, it was in January with pretty cool temperatures. I was expecting more stairs when I went up because people were telling me that there were a lot of steps I had to climb. Although it I felt a little burn, it was manageable. So maybe when I go back maybe I should make it one hell of a workout such as skipping steps and actually run up and down the stairs. But the view was really nice and there is a little trail you can go down when you hit the top of the stairs on your right. read more

A must-do in Austin. You'll get a beautiful view of the cityscape in one direction, and the river on the other. It's the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Just look up on your phone when the sun is supposed to set, and plan to be on the top about 20 mins before to catch all the colors. It gets crowded, especially with parking, so plan ahead for this. The drive up isn't too far from downtown Austin (about 15-20 mins). If you park near the top, walking up those stairs doesn't take more than 5 mins. There's lots of places to sit up near the top. read more

Lovely views of Lake Austin and the 360 bridge. Climb the steps or walk up along the bluffs. A few picnic tables scattered about. Come early if you're hoping to get a good view of sunset. Fair amount of parking. If there are no places to park it is likely there is essentially no more room to see the view. Early weekday mornings are my favorite as it is quiet and you nearly have the park to yourself. read more

Mt. Bonnell is one of the pretty sites in Austin, Texas. The 2 main things I dreaded the most was the huge steps I had to climb and the hot weather. But, it was worth it in order to get a beautiful view of the lake! Reommended place if you want to have a picnic with a friend or to just relax. read more

Been here a few times, and it never fails! Always the greatest at sunset! Took a few friends here this time around to enjoy the view, clear sky and breezy air. Had our desserts and fruits with us to enjoy the setting. It was our reward for the set of stairs we had to encounter. Parking is easy, many great spots to enjoy the view, dog friendly, people friendly, not many bugs either this year round. read more

Mount Bonnell - Grapes and sunsets - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Sweet view, not all that difficult to walk the steps (there aren't many). I sort of felt like I was peeping down on an uber-wealthy private community though, as most of the view is expensive homes bordering the lake. As a sidenote, we swung into the nature sanctuary at the bottom of the hill and it was AMAZING. Gorgeous little place with peacocks all over, walking and in trees. That said, I think there was some sort of ceremony or private party and wasn't sure we were totally welcome (though no one said anything and was friendly). Check it out! read more

Nice outdoor stop with great views about 15 minutes from downtown. Wear walking shoes or running shoes. Good for 20-30 minutes unless you want to picnic there. Worth the time to stop by. read more

Hoping to get a panoramic view of the Austin downtown, the Colorado River and the lake mansions nearby, one evening we drove up to Mount Bonnell. After parking the car in the parking lot (there is ample free parking available), a short walk up the mountain took us to a brilliant view of the Colorado River underneath, mansions neighboring the lake, bridges spanning across the Colorado River and the green valley. Austin downtown beautifully stood far away from Mount Bonnell. There is a couple of picnic table as well, if you would like to enjoy a snack or a meal whilst enjoying some breath taking views! read more

Due to an ice storm that left me trapped in Oklahoma for a week without electricity, and due to an overindulgent New Year celebration, I decided it was time to get some fresh air and physical activity. Mount Bonnell fit the bill, but not in the way I had expected. After reading all of the reviews, I was prepared to want to die climbing the stairs. In fact, not too long ago I decided against bringing an out-of-towner here for our date because I thought I'd be heaving and ho-ing like a fool before we even got half way up. In reality, the stairs took about 3 minutes and didn't even cause heavy breathing. (For reference, I am in very average shape. Like, I could probably run a mile if somebody were chasing me, but that's about it.) Another thing I didn't expect was the number of children. Holy Moly. There must have been at least 10 million. Maybe 20. Idk. There were a lot. So if you're trying to decide if it's practical to get your little one to the top of this thing, I can't say that I've personally tried it, but I can say that it obviously isn't too difficult. (Again, for reference, I went on an overcast Sunday afternoon. It wasn't unbearable, but a lot more crowded than I expected.) As for logistics: when you get to the top, there is a nice little landing and then the option to go right or left. Both options are short--about 10 minutes each. To the right, there's a wide, gravely-but-well-paved downhill path that eventually dead ends. This route, which is the more crowded option, offers lots of views of the lake and the lovely homes beneath. The path to the left was my favorite part of the experience and the most "hike-y" element of Mount Bonnell. It's mostly just trees and rocks and there aren't views of the lake, but it is much more secluded and less paved than the other option. This path technically dead ends and you probably are supposed to turn around, but if you're willing to make a short jump, you wind up back at the southern end of the parking spots. TL;DR: Don't be intimidated by the number of stairs. There are lovely views and it's worth a stop if you have 20 minutes to kill or if, like me, you live here. However, I wouldn't go too far out of my way if you have limited time in Austin. read more

Four stars because I don't know of anywhere else close by to get a nice view. The view is nice, especially since you can see downtown Austin. Downsides -- Too bad someone built a big house at that same side of the park and it really does obstruct/take away from the view. There are plenty of little trails and places to sit and have a lunch, but what I didn't like was all the trash and beer bottles up there. And condom wrappers. It does tend to be crowded, but it's a nice spot to take pictures. Wear sensible shoes since the stairs on the way up are the only level surfaces. Uneven rock everywhere. read more

This was a pretty disappointing spot...unless we completely missed the good hiking trails, the one we were on lasted approximately 5 minutes and was a boring gravel trail. When you reach the top of Mount Bonnell the view is pretty nice and you get to see where all rich folk's homes which are pretty impressive. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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We came here about 2 weeks ago, for the first time (shameful, I know). Hush. It was so nice to venture out and be outside again.. I haven't been *out* much this year enjoying anything, so this was a pleasant change of pace. The scenery is beautiful, no doubt. That should be a given. The trek up the stairs while you're *climbing* the mountain.. lol, It's a walk in the park. Honestly, for those worried it is too much, it is probably not. You do not have to be an active and extremely fit person to go enjoy this beautiful place. I promise. If all else fails, stop halfway up and rest, if need be. Just go. It is a flight of stairs (100 steps) that each vary in size, some are a little steeper than others and others, not so much. The top is worth the work! Beautiful Austin views from various places. If you go up.. take it a little bit further and venture down the paths that wind off the different sides. Approaching, the path to the right of the monument is my favorite! Lots of views from there. Kids loved it, and so did my husband and I. The only thing was the bugs.. haha. My daughter and I absolutely HATE THEM. But that is to be expected when outdoors! My next visit is already in the making for November(ish). Need to go when its cooler outside. It was too hot, even though it was in the 80's when we went. We were dying from the heat at the top. Enjoy! read more

I call this place the stairway to heaven. The stairs are pretty steep but nothing unbearable. The views of the water and hill country are beautiful. I will recommend this lookout spot to people visiting ATX. This is great for people who want the view, but don't want to do any actual hiking. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Just a quick drive and short hike and you've made it to the top of Mount Bonnell. We parked by the steps and walked up. Stunning views of Austin makes this place worth it for the photo ops. There's a trail that leads down to the right, not sure to where though. We walked halfway down to get a better view. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This is a beautiful view area of the city and the Colorado river. read more

Mount Bonnell - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

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