Mount Bonnell Reviews

Horrible experience . We just went for 20 mins and someone broke into the car , took all our valuables money and what not. The Austin Police did nothing about it because we did not have any suspects … I wish I had look into these reviews before going to this place .

Every first-time visitor to Austin should take a trip up Mt. Bonnell. A beautiful lookout over Lake Austin and west toward the Hill Country. A short climb for an hour's respite.

I highly recommend this free activity which doesn't take much time.

Plenty of free parking on mount bonnell drive.

Some steps up to the top but not too difficult.

Once you get to the top there are great views of the river. You can walk to the left and the right once at the top.

If you walk left it doesn't go too far and you can see views of the city.

If you walk to the right you get amazing views of the river and some massive houses and if you keep walking to the right you end up walking down hill slightly until you get back down to the main road where the cars are all parked.

We spent about half an hour here admiring the views and it was definitely worth it. Great free activity to do on the way to somewhere else.

This destination was included in our AO Bus Tour. We were able to view several breathtaking views of this beautiful area.

Mount Bonnell is a must see for anyone visiting Austin for the first time. It's the highest point in Austin and you can see downtown as well as Lake Austin gorgeous homes along the lake

You can drive to the parking area and there are stairs to the top (maybe 70 steps). The view is spectacular of Austin and the lakes.

On a sunny cool day like today its a good place to go for a change. The views of the lake and the Penny Packer Bridge provide a nice place to see a wide view of Westlake and the surrounding area.

Visitors: note - there are 102 uneven handmade stone steps to the top so make sure you’re physically able to achieve this climb. NO Bathrooms or WATER so bring your own. Area gets very trashy so please please take your trash with you when you leave!! DO NOT leave valuables in your car, the ground is littered with broken windshields from burglarized cars.

There are a lot of Instagrammers dangling from the cliffs here, risking their lives for likes. The views are beautiful, but don't plan to spend much time here. The hiking trail is short with several rough drops. Go here, take your pictures, and head over to Mayfield park for an actual hike.

On the main entrance, there are a lot of stairs to climb, so please keep this is mind. The other entrance down the hill has gradual hiking up the hill which is not as steep. With that being said, you will love the view! I frequently take visitors out here to see the river and also the 360 bridge.

A great park to hike through , beautiful Views of the Colorado River and it’s surroundings ! It’s peaceful , and me and my husband enjoyed it , it’s not a rough hike , the tail is pretty flat , so older ones shouldn’t have a problem .its also good for kids they do have rails all along it ! Another must see in Austin ! I’m all for the freebies ! Lol! You don’t have to pay to go on vacation and have a great time !

Mount Bonnell, lots of steep steps to reach the top, once their views of the Colorado River. Turn left and you can see distant Austin City views on a good day, zoom lens required. Turn right see nice houses and River views.

From this vantage point we could see downtown Austin and surrounding area, as we watch the sun go down. The view is breathtaking and the sunset was beautiful!

Incredibly dangerous. Thieves are standing by to break into your car regardless of if you have valuable items or not. The view is lovely, but not at the expense of your family's safety.

It's a nice view overall of the lake below. The viewpoint of the lake is of a narrow area which makes it look like a river. The homes below are nice to look at as well. They are interestingly nestled along the banks of the steep hills.

It's a quick walk. Really not hiking - definitely not a mountain. The view is very pretty from the top though!

After reading couple of reviews we decided to take a look. It's worth climbing the stairs at own pace, it has a great view of the city and around. Take water with you on hot days as you gonna spend at least 1 hour. Police were walking by so that was a plus for security.

The beautiful view, incredible what you can see from that place and also its surroundings. The houses that are there when you come down from that viewpoint are beautiful.

An Austin friend took us here for the views and activity. Lots of Parking on the Access road, many stairs to the top. Not handicapped accessible....good cardiac workout. Good views of the city and wealthy homes on the river. It seemed to be more of an urban park. So, if you are used to more green, water and less concrete prevalent on other parts of the country, you may be disappointed.

Great place to stop and enjoy a beautiful view and t's the best place in town to watch the sunset. The trails aren't difficult and you can easily avoid other groups of people.

It can get crowded, go early or during the week. Nice paths, some a little narrow. A few clean picnic areas, so stop and have a bite. There are nice views of Austin and the lake below.

Climb the stairs to the overlook the take the trail back down to the car park. Nice views 30 minutes tops. Not a must see by any means.

This is apparently a popular spot, as there were many cars in the parking area and several people in the park. It's a very nice area donated by a family which gives access of views over the river. Lots of steps provide access.

I drove, somewhat out-of-the-way, to get five minutes of a beautiful view, both of the bridge, the water below, and some impressive homes. This place can get very crowded on a weekend, but toward the end of the workday, it’s easy to be one of just a few people most days.

Nice place to have lunch too, but not a lot of tables.

Highest point of Austin. If you have the possibility, check it out. It takes you a few stairs, really not that much, and you get a spectaculair view in return. It's worth it, would definitely recommend.

There might be a great view but that will be spoiled quickly if you are one of the MANY victims of a car break in in broad daylight with many cars around. This area is targeted by thieves who watch to see people get out of their cars. If you aren't carrying a purse when you get out, or if you got out and put something into your trunk, or if you leaned down to put something under your seat, they are watching! Must be working in teams b/c they can shatter a window, grab valuables, and get to the other side of Austin and start charging on your credit cards in under 25 minutes! Evidently, this is a common event here any time of day, even with large crowds around (just Google car break ins in Austin to see how bad it is in the Mount Bonnell parking lot) and there are no cameras in the parking area. So sorry we went at 2 pm on Mother's Day!

Despite being a UT grad, wasn't sure I'd ever been up there, at least not during the day. The view is impressive. A little climb up, but well worth it!!

Loved this walk, I didn't get to stay long because I had a flight to catch, but I am so happy we stopped. The views were amazing. If you have issues with stairs then avoid this, and try the park at the bottom of the hill. There are a lot of stairs to get to the top. I didn't have enough time to explore the entire area, but from what I was able to do/see I could easily spend a few hours here.

Free photo opportunity of Austin city skyline, located through a neighborhood after climbing about 50 steps. Parking available.

Do not doubt your ability to climb the stairs - it goes quickly and doesn't feel like 100 steps. At the top you will meet beautiful views of the river and beautiful homes below.

Busy on the weekend, nice view, lots of tourists
Nice hike around the hill side
Great place to take photos. A bunch of steps to get to the view so it’s a hard place to take a stroller or someone who has trouble walking.

This is a must for a little exercise & an incredible view of The Colorado River. There are not that many steps & when you get to the top keep walking to the right a bit for the best view. It’s a very beautiful spot!

It is a beautiful view of the city, however, after having my car broken into and items stolen I have since found out that Mount Bonnell has now become a high crime area. Even if you lock your belongings in the trunk and you have nothing in view through the windows the criminals are still breaking the windows and popping open the trunk.

I highly recommend walking up to the top (not very far) and walking around. The views were gorgeous - you can see the Colorado River, lush greenery, rolling hills, and cool houses from the top. Even if you are not particularly inclined towards hiking, it is very accessible.

Great view of the Colorado river and surrounding homes. It is too bad it's in a secluded neighborhood, I'm guessing the neighbors get sick of the traffic. Nice place to take a bagged lunch, relax and take a few photos.

So worth a trip to see the views. Had been many years ago wanted to show the kids. Breath taking. Just as I had remembered yet different.

The drive there was pretty - lots of nice houses. Once there and parked you walk up a long set of stairs. The view was pretty - especially overlooking the water. There was hiking trails and tables to sit down at. Nice, short stop.

Really more of a hill, but what a hill! This is the perfect place for locals to come watch the sun set. Probably not flashy enough for vacationers, but part of a fantastic laid back evening. The hill is shallow enough for children but might present a challenge for toddlers or the elderly

Great views from the top. If you have small kids I would keep the kids far away from the cliff edge on parts of the trail.

Found this and decided to check it out, so glad we did.
Had to stop a few times on the stairs but at the time I was a smoker and overweight so don’t let that stop you, it’s still worth it.
Love that it has a few alternate “loops” that kind of venture off a bit and come back around to the trail. Those loops give you a chance to make the hike new and different each time.
Bring a camera, you’ll want pictures.

Highly recommend taking a walk up the steps to see the view. You can then walk the trail and catch a few more spectacular views.

The place to be at sunset. Great view of the river and downtown. Easy to reach from the west end 35th. Park and walk up the stars for the view.

Don't let the stairs intimidate you. You can make it up there. The views are nice, just not impressive. Felt nice up there though.

A great place to visit to get a birds eye view of the area. It was only moderately busy when we went mid-morning on a Sunday in November so we had no problem snapping a few pics without having to wait for an opening. We attempted to hike around, which was fun, but couldn't go as far as we would have liked because the trail further down the mountain wasn't traveled frequently enough to keep it clear. Still, a nice "quick" stop for a pretty view, but don't expect much of a walk or hike.

Mount Bonnell is a favorite for residents, newcomers to Austin, and visitors. Every time I go, it has more people enjoying the views. People most often enjoy the sunset and it provides a good excuse for exercise in climbing.

It takes a few minutes to drive there from downtown. We usually spend about 45 min to an hour hiking up about 100 steps, checking the many views (mostly of homes, the water, pennybacker bridge), and going down the trail. It’s rough terrain in some parts due to large rocks and rain wash outs. It’s not wheelchair accessible. There are picnic tables scattered throughout. It’s usually crowded. You may as well drive about 2 minutes from the parking lot of Mount Bonnell (Covert Park) to Mayfield Park to see/hear peacocks on the roof and in the trees. There are no restrooms at mount Bonnell; however, there’s port-o-potties at Mayfield Park down the street/hill.

This is a whopping high elevation of about 775 feet! There is plenty of parking on the road. I think there are about 110 steps up to the viewing area. There is the Austin skyline on one side and expensive lake homes on the other. We looked up some of the homes on Zillow and saw they were in the 15 million dollar price range.
This would be a little better place to visit if there was a restroom.

Mount Bonnell (also known as Covert Park at Mount Bonnell) provides an excellent scenic overlook of beautiful Austin, especially at dawn and sunset.

The park is located in N. Central Austin and is easily accessible by car. Theoretically, a person could bike to the park, but the road leading to the park is narrow and somewhat treacherous. We do not recommend biking to Mount Bonnell.

Car parking (for free) is available along the road. Lock your car and place all valuables out of sight. Thieves have been known to smash windows and steal from parked cars.

There are two ways to the scenic overlook- climb just over 100 stairs or take a trail with a gradual incline. The trail has loose gravel and a few steep steps. If you’re facing the stairs, the trail to the top is about 500 yards to the right of the stairs. If you make a complete loop (up the stairs, down the trail, and return to the stairs) the distance is just under ½ mile.

There are no bathrooms or other facilities.

If you visit in the summer, take water or consider visiting early in the morning.

Wear comfortable, practical shoes.

I recommend going a little further than the steps and scamper up the rocks. The path is uneven and rocky but not too difficult. There are many vistas along the way.

It is a steep hike, or a lot of stairs, but it is worth it! Go right before sunset and watch the sun set behind the hills. Make sure to take a flashlight! There are no lights in the area and it is a lot of stairs after dark. This is a hidden slice of quiet in the midst of the city.

Took the stairs up to the top. You really couldn't get a great river view because of all of the trees and bushes. Then we walked towards one stone picnic table and that's when I saw the real view! What a great view of the city!

We visited in peak summer in August with temperatures reaching 100F. Recommend visiting towards the latter part of the evening. Parking is haphazard and the curvy road makes visibility poor. The location may make it hard for disabled access. We climbed at least 50-100 steps to get from the parking lot to the top. There is a park, but directions at the entrance were not clear. So we kept our walk short. Definitely a splendid view of the lake and lakefront homes. However much of the view is obscured by the fence and vegetation beyond it. Not sure if something can be done about creating a better experience for visitors.

We were looking forward to going up for the view until we noticed at least 15 parking spaces with broken auto glass in them and decided not to risk it. We found out from some locals that these car break-ins are an issue. Someone is watching people go up and if they put stuff in their trunk or if a woman takes purse with her. No security cameras around. So bummed because it really is a great view.

We went near sunset. Parking was a challenge and walking up 102 steps could be a challenge for young kids and some seniors. The view at the top is awesome and especially at sunset. If you stay to watch the city light up, be sure to have a flashlight or your phone to light the way back down.

Quick visit in the middle of the day to see the vantage point from up top. When you get there, make sure you go to the left first and then go back and keep going straight to see it from the top on the right side as well.

Garbage bins on site at the bottom and top. Takes about 2 minutes to climb the stairs. No restrooms.

Easy walk up to and along the ridge for great views of Austin! None of the terrain was very treacherous, I did everything in sneakers.

Visited this with my family. There are two options to the top - stairs or a walkway. The stairs are quite steep, my 80 year old uncle walked to the top!!!! The views of the city and river are amazing. Take the time to visit. It’s impressive!

It is in a nice one of Austin's old parks I enjoyed reading about it before climbing the steps. By the way you don't have to climb the steps to get up there. There is s very rocky path you and do to get up there. But the steps were cool. The views were awesome

AMAZING - absolutely beautiful. Stop by at sunset and you will not be disappointed. You can see jaw-dropping views of the mansions along Lake Austin and of the city skyline. A must-see.

My husband and I visited Mount Bonnell after reading that it was s great place to hike and catch a sunset. While it is a really pretty view of the river and Austin skyline, I think it’s a place you only do once.
We went on a Sunday evening and it was packed with people! There are a good amount of stairs to get to the top, but I wouldn’t consider it a hike at all.
Overall it’s neat to see but I don’t think I need to go back.

Mt. Bonnell is a great spot in Austin with amazing views of the city and the Colorado River. The short hike to the top is easy for most people, and the scenery is worth it. It's perfect for a walk, or just enjoying nature. When you get to the top, go left first to see the city view and then go right for a better view of the Colorado River. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Austin.

Amazing views. A bit of a hike up stairs but worth it. Then trails around the top to get different views. Very peaceful place also.

Go at sunset - be prepared to walk up may 100 steep steps to the top. The workout is worth it. The views of downtown Austin, the Colorado River and the insanely expensive homes at the bottom of the mountain make for a nice 30-45 minute or so adventure.

Go early or mid-day during the week. If you can avoid all the people, for example on weekends or at sunset, this place is fairly quiet, serene really, with an amazing view of the water below, countryside, and bridge.

Dropped in fir a quick visit ... always a treat ...

Well worth the hike up the endless steps to view the river lined with incredible residences. We truly appreciated the beauty of Mount Bonnell. Great photo opportunities and so beautiful!

this is a very short hike. took 20 minutes to see everything. the sunset was nice to watch from here. there is plenty of parking. we did see a fox.

My friend and I went for a quick afternoon visit and enjoyed it. We timed our climb up the stairs and it took us 90 seconds to walk up. We’re in average physical shape. The view was nice! Worth the climb. Four stars instead of five because the view is beautiful but not necessarily awe inspiring.

Short rocky trail along a cliff edge with views of the Colorado river and millionaires mansions. There are a few stairs to climb at one end of the loop.

Again, another free attraction in Austin. 99 steps, a bit challenging if you have joint or breathing issues, but worth every step. Great views, and picnic tables if you want to stay a bit longer. Word to the wise, the park closes at 10 pm. I actually received a ticket a few years ago, coming down from the top with a date...made a great impression on her!! Also, its much easier coming down!!

We were visiting friends in Texas. They took us to Mount Bonnell for a view of the city. We not only were able to see the city, but a view of the Colorado River was awesome. It is a hike up to the summit with rock stairs. The walk is shady and there was a breeze at the top.

This is a hand built, uneven, stone staircase that has 100 + steps to the top. Not advised if you are not in good shape, obese, elderly or have bad knees! Especially in the summmer when the temps rise into the triple digits. I often see people stopped less than halfway up, gasping for breath, asking how much further to the top? Please don’t attempt this if you’re not in fit shape! I come here often and know I’ll have to perform CPR on a visitor one of these days. Also there is NO water or bathroom facilities. And PLEASE! Don’t bring dogs in the summer, it’s too darn hot. I’ve heard of dogs dying in the heat up there. This is Texas folks, the heat is not to be messed with.

Went there on a drizzly day and still had nice views. Couldn’t walk the trails because they were very muddy. The real reason I’m writing this review is to encourage those that are concerned about the steps to go. At first I was very intimidated by the endless steps and the first 25 are a bit steep and harder to go up, but it got easier after that and I was able to do it. So unless you have a physical disability, you will be able to do it, give it a try and don’t be nervous about not seeing the end of the staircase.

A short walk from the parking area (about 100 stairs) for some nice views of downtown and the greater Austin area. It's a pretty short trip though, as there isn't much else to see/do.

This is a nice spot with a decent view of the river. However, I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to see it. There are nicer places in and around Austin for nature and a good walk. The walking trails here are limited (unless I somehow missed them). If you just want the view, it's fine.

There are stairs that you walk up to get to the top. My 2 year old grand daughter could do the stairs with us. Once you get to the top the view is AMAZiNG. There are some Civil War facts there too. Parking is right along the highway and is easy to get off and on.

A nice short trek up to Mount Bonnell. Enjoy great views of the city and the town homes by the lakeside. Makes a good picnic place for families on a beautiful day.

Great place to look over the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River. It's considered the highest point in Austin.

Mount Bonnell offers some exercise, great views and it is right in the middle of Austin. It is a short drive from city center so is a great place for a short break on a pretty day.

Mt. Bonnell is always one of my favorite places in Austin. I love the fact it doesn't seem like you hike that far up but once you get to the top, it's beautiful! Definitely bring your camera/phone so you can snap some pics. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds. We were there by 8:15am with hardly anyone else. But by 9:00 am+ it started to get a little crowded especially with a workout crew (um, perhaps go someone else to do stairs? Why do you seem surprised there are people there walking up and down the steps? Duh).

A five to ten minute walk up a lot of stairs to see a great view. Parking will seem an issue on busy days, but turn-over is fast so just be patient, you'll find a spot.

Wonderful view at sunset !!
Service, quality and price was more than satisfactory.
Would recommend as a must-try Austin destination.

Live here do everything austin. there is constant opportunity for entertainment in austin and the surrounding area.

Just a quick few minutes drive from UT, Mount Bonnell offers incredible views of the Colorado River.

Mount Bonnell is a noted Texas Historic Landmark. It’s a beautiful view of Lake Austin and the city of Austin, Texas. Climbing up the many steps is definitely worth the workout. If visiting Austin, TX, place Mount Bonnell on the list of attractions to see. There is no charge!😊

We stumbled on Mt. Bonnell and really enjoyed our hike to the top. There are two ways to get to the top - up the steps, or a little farther down the road there is a path. We took the path which was easier on my knees! GREAT views and it was a short hike to the top.

We over prepared based on some of the other reviews here. It doesnt feel like that many steps. It is a quick trip to the top, look around and back down. If you want to hike the trails at the top, it will take more time and effort. Its worth the stop.

Nice short walk with good views back to the city and up and down the river. The stairs take less than a few minutes to ascend if you are in average or better shape. People were running up them, multiple times, when we were there!

We went on a busy Saturday morning & made sure to put all of our valuables in the trunk to avoid a possible break in. It's in a very nice area and we felt very safe. We also saw no sign of any theft of any kind. Once we climbed the steps to the top the views are very nice and worth the trip up. We also did the trail which was meh but good exercise if you want to get a few steps in. We recommend as an early stop when visiting Austin.

You should see the city and the view from top. Amazing, definitely worth it. I loved it. Spend your 30 minutes and it’s done...

Had a nice day in Austin climbing the stairs at Mount Bonnell. Was fun to get to the top and see the beautiful view. From the city skyline, to the beautiful houses along the river. Was a great way to spend the day .

Do not visit here…. If you do, take an Uber or Lyft. Used to be a nice place to go but now the parking is covered with glass from cars getting broken into. Our car and 4 others had our windows broken on a short 20 min trip at 11am…

Neat little park, with beautiful views as long as the sun is shining. Little tricky to navigate if you don't watch your step.

This is a must stop location to take in the panoramic view of Austin 360 bridge, lake Austin, and downtown. There is limited free parking. On the weekend, this place is crowded. Try to come during the week or early on weekends. Sunset is busy everyday. Uber and Lyft drop people off all the time. There are 105 steps at main staircase. There is also another entrance at the trail head. It is rocky and uneven, but no stairs. If you are afraid of animals, be warned people bring their pets.

I liked the scenery it is nice to be out there, it’s great for families and pets. Just know that there is not much to do other than watching the river and walk a bit. You can picnic but not many picnic areas around.

Highly recommend getting up here for a decent morning walk with some spectacular vantage points and views of the Colorado River. Wear some good walking shoes and be sure to take your camera.

Car broken into beware.
Only gone 20 min to come back to my new car windows smashed. Why don’t they patrol this area more with so many break ins.

A short hike and you're on top of Austin, a fascinating view of the river and fancy homes. The sunset is the best time to be there, very romantic. don't leave Austin without stoping there.

If you want one of the best views in Austin but don't want to work for it, Mount Bonnell is for you! Seriously, you only have to hike 90 or so stairs and you get a nearly 360 degree view of the city. Drool over the houses you'd love to imagine yourself in - they are only $9MM. : )

If possible, back in to the parking at the entrance. It's on a corner and people drive WAY too fast. You'll be safer if you aren't backing out onto the street.

Friendly warning not to go to this park at sunset because several cars, including my rental care were broken into, luckily a small bag located in the back seat of my expedition with wipes, water bottle, etc, was taken. Unfortunately, two of the windows were shattered. We called the cops and they refused to come and assist, i was basically informed to call 311 and/or go to an online site to fill out the report. First day visiting Austin, and was shocked by what had happened, especially since I was with two children besides most of my family. Glad I didn't come across this situation while it was happening. You will see glass on the ground in the daylight, so be careful because no action is done to protect you from serious theft and your safety.

you get to climb the stairs anticipating the view from the top, it is really an Austin treasure that people have been visiting for years. Nice view of the water, boats and homes below, very relaxing.

YOUR STUFF WILL GET STOLEN. Horrifying experience. window glass pieces everywhere. DO NOT GO . I lost way too much.

Mount Bonnell, which is 102 stair-steps from the road below, offers impeccable views of Austin, Lake Travers and Colorado River.

This was a quick hike with beautiful views. Our children were able to do it with us. We parked on the road and there were MANY steps to climb to the top, something to consider. Not sure if there was another access point. We went to Mayfield Park when we were done to see the peacocks. 5 min drive down the road Very nice afternoon.

A great place for great views.
Best part is that you can go on kayaking and oaring in the lake nearby to relax

Certainly one of the best views of Lake Austin and the mansions along the shore nearby, and a nice view of the city as well. Romantic after dark (true confession: I took the woman who ultimately became my wife of 38 years now here on our first date). Most people take the stairs to the top, but I suggest that you park about 300 yds to the north of the stairs where there's a gate and a dirt road/trail that offers a more scenic route to the summit, if you don't mind slightly rougher terrain.

Beautiful View of the city and the river from the top. not enough parking though. Does have quite a few high steps not wheelchair accessible. good for a painting artists. not for little kids

My first time visiting this location only to have my car window broken into and my belongings taken. It only took the individuals 5 minutes from the time I left. According to my dash cam recording activity. Here are some pictures of the individuals my dash cam recorded. Not only that but they use my debit and credit cars at target. Wish I could have share the video of the individuals complaining about not being able to get my belongings and that's when the individuals that appear in my cam when to hel the other person.

Mount Bonnell is a great to get an overview of the hill country from town. This visage is a wonderful place to see the lake and beautiful in-town place to visit. A bit of an uphill walk but easy for most.

Our car was broken into in broad daylight! Mutliple cars were also broken into in the same time frame. The lookout was filled with litter. Not worth the risk if you don't want to spend your trip getting your window replaced, etc. It's been two days and we still haven't heard from the police to file a report.

The view and the roads to walk around are something else. Silent place to go around and a lot of people from all over the world. It's a place to visti more than once.

A short walk up to the top and a great view of Austin Down Town and Lake Austin.
Watch your step as there are drop offs and they are steep.

When you get to the top of Mount Bonnell the views of the Colorado River and the downtown Austin skyline are AMAZING!! The only downside is that there is not much else to do besides take some photos. I wish there were more hiking trails to explore in and around Mount Bonnell.

Beautiful views but we were approached by a park ranger and a policeman 5 minutes after we climbed 100 + steps. They informed us that there was a rash of Thefts , with often 5 + auto break ins every da. Autos were even being stolen while tourists enjoyed the views here. We hastily hurried back to our car. Disappointing !

Mount Bonnell has been a favorite place for us ever since we moved to Austin. We take everyone who comes to visit to see the beautiful view. You can see up and down the Colorado River, and it is a great place to get a little exercise climbing the rock stairs leading up to the top. Mount Bonnell is just up a hill from Laguna Gloria, now The Contemporary and Mayfield Park, a lovely place to explore near the lake. My children are grown and have children of their own now, but we still like to visit Mount Bonnell! One of Austin's treasures!

We were looking for a short walk or hike, and this was perfect. We did not climb the 100 steps (no view) but loved the views from the trail. Another reviewer stated round trip taking trail and stairs is less than .5 mile

The view from this mountain top is beautiful but we thought we were coming to a 'hike' with a reward of a beautiful view. It's only about 10 stairs up and you are at the lookout. It's a 10 minute excursion. We tried to extend our trip by hiking down to the nearest town but there is no path along the cliffside or waterline. You just have to meander through the residential neighborhoods and it took us about an hour.

We decided to visit Covert Park on our last day in Texas. We had heard that Mount Bonnell was beautiful & decided to experience it! Great exercise climbing the steps - uneven/rocky steps - be careful, but worth it!! The views are fabulous: the Austin skyline, Colorado River & beautiful homes!

Killer spot! It’s very easy to get to this place and it gives you an amazing view of Colorado River and mansions alongside water. It’s an easy walk up the stairs even for kids and you should reach the top in max 10 minutes. Thankfully it was a beautiful September day and wasn’t outrageously hot, but I would recommend to bring a bottle of water or jug. There are also some spots without much safety so be cautious and very careful along those sharp cliffs. You can even walk along which declines down all the way to the parking spot. There are convenient parking spaces along the road. If you like views from up top and don’t want to hike long trails, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!

Amazing view over Austin and superb exercise up steps to get there.
Lovely spots for sitting in and taking in the view although could imagine it being busy at weekends

DO NOT GO HERE!!!! DO NOT GO HERE!!! YOU WILL GET YOUR WINDOW BUSTED AND YOUR STUFF STOLEN! We are visiting from out of town. We had our truck window busted out ($350 to replace). Luckily, someone pulled in next to us and the thieves left without stealing anything out of our truck. The police said, they bust out windows and rob vehicles in all the parks in Austin. So much; that when I called to have the window replaced they told me that they are so busy, no one would be available for 5 days. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR UNATTENDED!!! THE VIEW IS NOT SO GREAT AS TO GET ROBBED!!!

Good place to capture Corolado River and downtown view. It’s not too steep to climb up. Some recommend to visit for sunset.

It never gets old. It's a personal challenge to get up the steps without pausing. It is well worth the lactic acid buildup when you see the expanse of Lke Austin and the hill country laid out before you.

Totally worth the 100+ step stair climb to the park. Gorgeous views of downtown Austin and the river - I took a ton of photos. Also lots of trails to explore and each one offers another amazing vantage point. Highly recommend this stop if you're anywhere near Austin!

Well worth the small climb. Loved the view of Austin. I would recommend this as must go to in Austin.

We decided to venture out to Mount Bonnell after dinner to see an Austin sunset. There’s free parking at the base of the steps, but be ready to climb about 100 steep steps to the overlook (although someone said there’s a walkway without steps at the end of the parking lot). Once you get to the top, there’s a neat stone seating area with a pergola, but you’ll need to hike down to the right a little ways to get the best sunset view. Even on a cloudy night, the sunset was gorgeous with the river below and a boat making its way along. It wasn’t too crowded when we went so this was a relaxing nightcap and well worth the trip up the mountain!

Visited on a crystal clear day and the view of Austin area and the Colorado River were spectacular! The hike up the trail is short and not particularly difficultra. Numerous photo opportunities.

I came here with my 3 kids to get out of the house during "social distancing" and was only out of the car maybe 20 minutes only to come back and find that my window was smashed and my purse, money, wallet, and a USPS package had been stolen out of my car. Within minutes the thieves were using every credit card from my wallet. This seems like a nice area and having only recently moved to Austin I had no idea this is a common occurrence at this park. The view was not worth the hassle of dealing with the theft. My advice if you do go is park right by the stairs and leave NOTHING in your car. Sad that people can be so terrible.

Good things: Beautiful place, has a little bit of hiking, is free and is close to downtown.
Bad things: long stairs the don't get any easier for out of shape people, I didn't see access for people in wheelchairs, and parking is a problems sometimes and don't have nothing to do except look at the beatifull view.

Our day trip to Mount Bonnell on 2/22/22 didn’t go as planned—a wedding we traveled for was canceled—but it turned into an unforgettable romantic adventure! After climbing several stairs to the summit, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the sprawling beauty of Austin. The scenery was serene and offered the perfect backdrop for reflection, laughter, and a few beautiful photos we’ll treasure forever.

Following our hike, we stopped at a nearby restaurant for a delicious meal before making the drive back to Dallas. While the day didn’t start as we’d expected, it became one of those spontaneous, magical experiences that remind you to savor life’s surprises.

Mount Bonnell is an excellent spot for anyone looking to connect with nature, enjoy stunning views, or create special moments. Highly recommend for couples and adventurers alike!

Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes for the stairs and visit earlier in the day for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

A great view of the city, from a different perspective. You can have a good time here, following the paths and admiring the landscape.

Short hike to the top to see water view.

Lots of stairs in the front or go up the side for the trail.

Nice view at the top to see the water.

Been there once, but was enough.

This offers on of the best views of the whole city you can get. There is a small little walk up to the top but they offer stairs to get up to the top or you can go around and walk up a gradual hill to get to the top.

If you read about car break ins, guess what, they’re still happening. Our car window was smashed in during broad daylight with rows of other cars and people walking in and out of the park. They stole a pursue. They even hit another car (Lexus) and stole her purse as well. All in a matter of 30 minutes. Terrible location despite feeling safe among the fancy houses and number of people flowing through. No police or cameras on site, zero support. Do not recommend unless you travel here by foot.

We visited this place on Xmas day. Very nice walk with very friendly visitors. The overlook view to the river and town is amazing. The hike is very mild and refreshing

A nice quick steep set of steps from the parking lot on a public street gets you to a nicely designed overlook to the Colorado river and downtown Austin. Historic informational plaques go back only to the 1830s. It would be interesting to learn about the importance of the spot to native People before 1830.

A short climb up about 100 stairs and you will come upon a beautiful view of Lake Austin and the Austin skyline. There isn’t anything to do up there but look around.
I did see a lot of broken glass in the parking lot. Car windows and beer bottles. Be sure not to leave anything in your car.

Great views of Austin and the Colorado River. There are about 90 steps to get to the top, a small area for parking. There is a very short trail to the end offering views of the nice houses below. Don't expect a real hiking experience, it's not but completely worth it. You can also see the skyline from the one end.

Short drive outside of the city. Ample parking spots. Not all that bad of a climb up the stairs. What I thought was kinda so so was the view. I can see the river, I can see some hills, I can see downtown... but the sunset view isnt all that amazing. Maybe I’ve just had better spots to view a sunset. If you dont want to drive far for a good view, this is a decent spot.

Easy and quick hiking spot with a great reward for climbing the stairs. Hi early to best the heat and the crowds.

There are NO bathrooms but the picnic tables have the best views in the city.

A must ‘I’ve been there!’ Photo for a trip to Austin!!

There are around 100 steps up to the top but it has a gorgeous view and if you follow the path you can see the Austin skyline.

How great is it to be able to take a short hike and be rewarded with outstanding views of Austin. I had the opportunity to do this on a cool evening and was blown away by the views and the lights. Great for families and pets.

We did a circular hike up and down. and enjoyed seeing the mansions and boat houses along the river, with the city in the distance.

It was a little hike and it isn't wheelchair friendly but the view is gorgeous. You can see the beautiful sunset from here also.

If you come here, beware of car thieves! There is so much broken glass in the parking spaces from all the break ins. We were gone for about 30 mins and came back to my car window smashed in and my belongings taken, and this also happened to multiple cars while we were there. It didn’t take long for the thieves to start trying to use my cards at target. If you come here don’t leave anything of value in your car, better yet take an Uber or Lyft.

There are a lot of stairs, this isn't for the faint of heart. However, if you can handle it, the view of the surrounding areas is worthwhile.

There is a lot of parking at the base of this attraction, straight in and parallel. The day we went vehicles were coming along one right after the other, almost continuously. Our friend, a local, said that this was unusual for this many people. We went on a cloudy Sunday, early afternoon.

There are many stairs, generally even, pace yourself. The stairs are plenty wide enough for multiple people to fit through easily. Consider using the handrails where available. Remember, you're going back this same way! At the top, the first lookout is a large platform, which served as a venue for a couple's engagement pictures the day we visited, but with plenty of room left over for many of us tourists. One can safely get to a better views of the Colorado River/Lake Austin (I didn't realize the Colorado River went in this direction!) as well as the downtown skyscrapers. Down below, one can see how "the other half" lives! Further up the path at the top is another lookout. Be sure that you adequately catch your breath before you begin your descent down the stairs.

Prior to coming on this trip I read all the reviews regarding the many break-ins. I attempted to find another way to Mt. Bonnell without leaving my vehicle in the lot. We had decided to just try and view the scenery as a family. Upon getting out of the car I saw a women who looked suspicious (given I had already done my research). She had walked past our vehicle and then stopped about two cars down/ texting someone on her phone. My husband decided to stay back as something wasn’t right. He got into the passenger side and waited. Sure enough as soon as me and the rest of our party left- the women walked to our vehicle and peered into it, only to realize my husband was in there, as he opened the door. She walked off and got into a vehicle with her partner in crime/ another women. So long story short individuals are just waiting for a individuals to leave their cars. The scenery was beautiful; however, I would recommend taking an Uber.

Easy to get to, low-level hike up a relativley steep hill. Excellent view of the Austin area. Would highly recommend.

The best place to get 360 views of Austin and the surrounding area. The stairs are brutal but there is a more gradual way up if you walk left of the stairs. Wear good shoes-it's gravely. Also be sure to stand on the cement picnic table to get a really good view/pic.

This place is great to spend a couple of minutes to just take a picture and head out, the views are magnificent and I would think this is a mandatory stop in Austin, there's nothing else to do in the hill though.

This place has a small hike, there is no shades so it is hard to stay there if it is a hot day in summer or so. The view from the middle of the hile is a lot better than the view from the end of the hike.

One of the best place I have ever been. The view from the top is mesmarising you can sit there for hours and hours and will be relaxed. It is a very calm place.

Bring your lady here. Take a look of the great view. Maybe pop the question or get a kiss. Been here many times.

Really nice views of the river and all the rich peoples homes I will never be able to afford. Plenty of people were there but there is plenty of parking. You can either go up the stairs or up a short trail to make it to the top.

It’s a short little hike to the top of a summit that overlooks waterfront properties. It’s a nice view but not something I would go out of my way for.

It would be nice to have a little picnic here! As you know Texas is hot in the summer lol. I think a fall day would be perfect.

This is a great vista. It isn’t touted much, but an Austin native recommended it and it was a good view. You don’t realize how hilly Austin is from downtown. Parking was fairly easy too.

beware!! even though the trail itself was beautiful, the area is not safe, especially if you are traveling from out of town. i decided to make a stop at mount bonnell on my drive back to houston at around 12pm, which was a huge mistake. i was only gone for about an hour and during that time my windows got smashed, car broken into, and all of my belongings stolen from my car. i should have seen the red flags, but the parking lot area is covered with glass from what i assume to be from previous break ins. there are no cameras from what i saw or police patrolling the area, making it a prime location for thieves to target people. i filed a police report and am still waiting for a response from local enforcement. if you are traveling in the area, be careful!

You can go up a short 1/2 mile hike or the 106 steps to the top. Either way its a great view of the river and area. We spent a bunch of time bird watching while we were up there. Short drive from down town.

If you can handle walking up quite a few steps and walking on rough terrain this is a must do quick thing to do. The view from the top is gorgeous. Based on signs and lots of broken glass in area I think cars get broken into frequently. Our car was packed but it was really busy there when we were there so no problem.

Loved the view of the place from the Mount.
But climbing those steps wasn't even funny to me 😂
It's really a good place to go sightseeing with friends.

One of the best views in Austin, TX. There is a short climb to get there, but well worth the effort. A must see for visitors!

You have to go to Mount Bonnell if for nothing else to stop wondering what it is. It’s a flight of stairs up a steep incline that allows you a rather nice view of Town Lake and Austin, but that’s it. Not a park where you can hang out and sun bathe, not even much of a mountain/climb. Probably anyone not in a wheel chair and not incredibly infirm can make the climb. I still classify it as a must see- just because of all the hype. We’re from New Hampshire, so we were left wanting a mountain.

Easy to get to and the views were nice of the river and city. Plenty of parking. Several stairs to get to the top so not for everyone.

Nice view of the very nice houses on the water. It was very hot when we were there so the climb up the stairs was a challenge. Not a must see in town, but certainly is nice.

Climb up the mt. Bonnell and you will be mesmerised by the views of the lake, forest and Austin downtown. Worth spending the time and nice to burn up some calories by climbing the stairs

We used to take all visitors there but now that older do not. A little climb up but yes great views!!!!
So we took visitors and they did the climb and thought is was cool!

Best time to see in during dusk and in dark. Austin skyline is impressive and serene. The houses on the lake and in the route are beautiful. Drive slow during ascend so that you can appreciate these houses. Parking is sufficient. Try to walk on the trail from the main entrance from the stairs and return from the south side. This way you will be able to get 360 degree view of the city and exquisite communities on the banks of the lake.

You can see both the 360 Bridge and the City Skyline after hking up the steps to this iconic spot. For visitors this is a must see. Just be prepared with proper walking / hiking shoes and bring your camera!

At Houston, we felt so sick being home all day long, because of the coronavirus outbreak. So we packed and went to Austin, where there are mountains. We went to Mount Bonnell, and it was excellent! We went to the viewpoints, and there was not one person there. We had Covert Park all to ourselves, and the trail was easy and relaxing. I highly recommend this place!

Parking available, not hard to find, brisk climb up the stairs and leisurely downhill walk. Enjoyed it. Not a must, but nice.

Strenuous climb up many stairs leads you to a high vantage point over the river. Paths lead in opposite directions.

We loved walking to the top and seeing the view of Austin and the lake. Gorgeous!! I am already envisioning taking graduation pictures of my son up here in 2 years. Standing on the concrete picnic table (to the left when you get up there) with the city and campus view in the background will be priceless!!

This was something we really wanted to do around sunset in hopes of getting some good photos, but the day we went happened to be cold and foggy. Still, I'm not sure this would have been as good as I expected because there are limited places to stand and try to get a good view. Being early March, the vegetation wasn't even full of leaves and yet it still blocked a lot. So, temper your expectations before your visit. I will say that the climb was not bad at all.

Lots of stairs but worth the view! Breathtaking views with interesting animals to see. Great photo opportunity

Short-walk with a great reward. I have visit Mount Bonnell at least a dozen times. Best time to go is for sunset/ dusk. I proposed to my wife here. it has a great view over lake Austin.

We stopped at Mt. Bonnell on a tour. You can either hike up a path to take stairs to get to the top. It is a great view. It was very popular on a Sunday afternoon

This is up in the hills outside Austin overlooking one of the lakes and looks down at some huge, fancy homes. When you arrive, you have a choice of stairs or a winding trail; take the winding trail as there are great views along the walk. There are also very nice views from the top, and a small board at the top about some of the history of Mount Bonnell. We found this to be one of the highlights of our visit to Austin.

A beautiful overlook of the river and the 360 bridge. Not too strenuous, but a lot of steps to the top. Highly recommend as a sightseeing stop in Austin!

Great scenic view of west Austin. It's gorgeous. We have been up here many times and it never gets old or ceasing to make one in awe.

An awesome place to explore for fantastic sunset views of Austin. An easy hike up around 90 stairs. Once you get to the top you can see some awesome views.

The views from the top of Mt. Bonnell were absolutely beautiful and worth the effort! We saw the river and many beautiful homes. There are picnic tables at both ends to enjoy!

Tie up those laces on your sneakers and get ready for the most rewarding stair climb you've ever attempted. It's about 100 steps to the top of this 'mountain' that over looks the waterway below. Mount Bonnell is a great place for a picnic or just to hang out and spend a little time journal writing or taking photos of the Austin skyline in the distance. It's gorgeous at the top!

The place is along the River Colorado and its views are great. There are a lot of viewpoints and great place to click some beautiful photos

Take a ride to Mt. Bonnell.....you won’t be disappointed.

There are some walking trails you can go on.

There are many stairs to climb up to the viewing area. They are not even and may be a challenge for some.

Amazing drive and views of the lake! Recommend walking shoes as there are stairs to climb. Hill country is a beauty this time of year April.

Kind of an off the beaten path scenic vista which we enjoyed. Great views of Austin in just about a 360 panorama depending on where you stand. Would we go back? Sure.

Mount Bonnell is one of the attractions you should not miss to visit Austin! Although it is necessary to climb about 100 stairs, it is only a few minutes to reach the viewing platform, overlooking the magnificent views of the Colorado River and Lake Austin. No tickets are accepted and convenient parking is ideal for the whole family, couples or travelers to easily visit. The hills are not high, the walkway is not long, the old and young are good. The only thing to note is that there are no drinking water or shading facilities available on the top of the mountain. Overall, it’s a perfect place to combine natural beauty with city scenery. Whether you’re taking photos, walking or quietly watching the sunset, Mount Bonnell is worth a visit.

We love to explore and so nice that this park is available for everyone to enjoy and experience the amazing views of the river and Austin! It would be nice if everyone would respect the park and not toss their trash on the ground and climb over the safety barriers.

We love to walk Mount Bonnell! The view is spectacular! My husband proposed to me there. It is a must see when you come to Austin. I highly recommend!

You can make this hike as quick or as lengthy as you’d like. A quick climb up a flight of stairs and you’re overlooking the water and the city from high above! There are multiple overlooks with gorgeous views. Great “hike” for all ages. Breathtaking sights!

My wife and I used to visit Mt. Bonnell everytime we came to Austin from Houston back in the 70's and 80's. But it wasnt until a couple of weeks ago we were in Austin and took the time to visit Mt. Bonnell.
Yes the steps to the top seems endless..especially in Texas heat, but once there the view is worth the pain of stairs.
Be warned that if you attempt the trails you better have on very good hiking shoes or tennis shoes and be a little flexible to the uneven terrain. But again well worth it.

Easy hike up to top. Great views of Austin, Lake Austin, and surrounding area. There are some sweet houses along the lake.

The view is just amazing. Period.

Lots of stunning homes on the drive there and also can be seen from the view up top. The river looks nice as well.

Some guard railing would be nice but you can’t have everything.

This is an easy though uphill hike with gorgeous views. We didn't see any of the wildlife we expected to see, but it was fun all the same!

Cold morning hike, up the stairs, for great view and History lesson on the River and Area. A hidden Gem. Don't see this advertised anywhere, yet only 20 minutes from downtown Austin.
No services on site. Please cleanup your own trash! We helped pick up trash, left by others. Keep it Beautiful! Watch your kids near the edges. Great place for Picnic.

A short hike to the top. Very beautiful view. There are some astonishing houses. There were a few boats on the water.

I had to rate this low because we never got to see it and climb the steps. There was broken glass by the majority of the parking spaces for quite a distance in front of the entrance way. There were cars parked so perhaps there were some clean spots. As we tried to turn around a try again we did find that 1/2 mile down the road was Mayfield Park which had some walking trails, peacocks, and a gratefully a Portapotty!

The 106 steps are not as bad as expected. he view up and down and below are beautiful. The GPS seems off because to get here is to go through a residential area.A bus came up same road

A magnificent picturesque height. In Texas’s early spring. This is a spot to frequent for peaceful people. Peace, love and unity!

Quick visit to this park on our way for shopping at oriental market in Austin. Only a little hike to the top with a beautiful view of the Colorado River, the homes along the river and the city of Austin. Few picnic tables are available for free if you spend longer time in the park. Free parking is available.

Worth the hike to the top of the mountain to see the view. The Austin skyline and the river with all the amazing homes.

A got a chance to visit Texas last year and visited Dallas,FW and Austin. In Austin I went to this Mt. Bonnell, which has its own history with beautiful surrounding with lake type river, floating boats, lovely green forest and luxuries hose.It is delighting to climb Bonnell and watch all these for hours and hours.

This is a very easy hike which is great for the view you can see lots .Love the path there is a series of stairs you climbed .But do not be fooled you will get a good excersise.

It's the tourist spot for visitors. You can look down on expensive "island(?)" estate by the river. You can see the beautiful river/lake view of Austin. You can see downtown a far in distance.

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The views are beautiful, the trails easy or challenging, depending on your choice, and the nooks and crannies are fun to discover--a great way to see Austin from above, and what a jewel to have right in town.

A great place to see the Austin cityscape. You can take some stairs up to the top which are pretty steep or a meandering path which is probably an easier walk. There are a couple picnic tables at the top.

You can easily walk up with steps. Once there you have an amazing view over the Colorado River and beautiful houses. On the other side you can see the city.

No matter how many times we visit the area, we always try to make a stop at the TOP! What a great place to take pictures, get out and enjoy the view. You'll see people from ALL over and hear all kinds of happy conversation! Enjoy!

The sight was amazing until we got rob. They smash our windows and we spend hours and hours at the windows dealer fixing it. Her purses with all the credit card and cellphone.

The initial steps are a little workout but it was worth it to climb and see the views of the river. We did not have any issue with parking.

Lovely view of Colorado river and Austin skyline! Short walk up to the Mount Bonnell rock; then walk a little further to get a great picture of the river! You'll love it!

Nice Mountain with a beautiful view of Lake Travis and part of the city. It’s a great place to exercise, take fresh air and just admire nature .

Mount Bonnell has the best houses in town with the best views - the area is one of the most prized zip code in Austin and the drive up there past those houses to the view point is an interesting one - showcasing a different side of Austin. The views from top are of the West side of Colorado River.

It is a not too high mountain and there is a park. It requires a short walk to see scenic view on Austin river and urban area.

Have to climb a long staircase to get to the overlook. It could use a few pull outs with benches, so older people or Mom's carrying kids can catch their breath. The view is worth the climb. The parking is fairly easy.

It’s a small area but offers good vintage point to take in the views of the river and the houses along the river - some very expense houses with boat docking areas. I think it’s better to visit in the fall/winter when you can see the fall colors as it really bring out the scenic view. It can be very crowded.

Pros: Beautiful expanded views of Austin area, perspectives not typically thought of as "Austin", pretty scenery, short trails
Cons: Lengthy stairs up, uneven/rocky trail in many spots, difficult for some of our group to manage, very hot on a warm day
I would highly recommend a visit to Mount Bonnell, if you're physically ok for it and if it's a a pleasant weather day. I was surprised by some of the vistas and enjoyed being in the park setting. It was a pleasurable outing and worth our time.

If you want a truly beautiful view of the city, drive to Mount Bonnell. We arrived midday after stopping by Voodoo Donuts to climb the stairs and see the view. It was a sunny day and perfect for a clear shot of Austin. The best view is when you take the short trail to the left of the lookout point. You may also hike back down to the street level from that trail, rather than take the stairs again.

Great park that overlooks Austin. The stairs up to the top were great for exercise, worth it for the views.

Ample parking and nice hike up stairs and along the river; there is a side entrance that doesn’t include stairs. The fact that General Custer had also picnicked here was fun; the trees and bushes blocked most of the views except for the far distance.

The worst part of the hike are the stairs, which isn’t that bad. The views are pretty. It can get really packed, so try going early or during the week.

It only took us about 10 min to climb all the stairs to the top. The views from the top are beautiful! It’s the highest point around Austin, and you can see the city center from the mountain. We had extra time to kill when we came, but it’s not something I’d mark as a must do in Austin.

A short hiking trail with great views of the Colorado River and Austin, Texas. We started our hike with rock steps, then views of homes which were fair; we took the gradual way down which had several spots with great views of the Colorado River. We had a quick hike which was enjoyable and worth our time.

FYI, the gradual trail is very uneven and rocky, so please wear appropriate footwear. Not recommended for those with balance issues.

Great views, lovely evening stroll! Make sure you have sturdy shoes, some parts are a tiny bit rugged, but nothing I couldn't handle - and I am NOT a hiker. Two ways up, either a staircase or a gradual slope, we went up the stairs and came down the slope. Really nice outdoor visit with a friend during COVID.

Loved looking down on the Colorado River. Great view! Quiet, nice place to picnic. Nice having a marker with the history of the site. Be careful and take your time walking up and down. Not a site for handicapped.

The view from Mt Bonnell is so majestic! Go early to beat the daytime heat.
It’s an easy climb. Bring water. You will love the views!

A native friend took us here. you walk up about 107 steps to a beautiful overlook of Lake Austin. Great for pix of the group, wonderful to experience in the city.

While I was waiting to meet up with my sister, I searched for a place to hike and found this on TripAdvisor. It did not disappoint. It's not a difficult hike at all. When you get to the top, you'll see the beautiful river, feels like you're in another world.

Its free.its a good place to see the city from hill top.100 steps to top and you can come down also using walkways

What a view from the top. Not too tough to climb to make it to the top and check out the views. Once there, you can take off on multiple trails and hike all over.

Great little hike up to the top with a great view of the river and surrounding areas. One of my favorite spots in all of ATX.

A very nice view of the Colorado River from Austin, great little walk to do.
Beautiful viewpoint to take pictures.

Would recommend a visit if in Austin. Its only a short drive out of the downtown area, and has excellent views of the river, and properties on the water. There is parking, but there are a number of steps to get to the top

Not serious hiking but the view up and down Lake Austin is spectacular and just about anyone can get up the trail.

This is short walking trip up about 100 stairs, to about a 1/2 mile walking path with great views of the river and downtown Austin. Worth taking the short trip there and take and hour to visit.

Our recent visit to Mountain Bonnell Trail turned into a distressing experience when our rental car broken in to and our purses as well as all of our valuable items were stolen. According to the rental car company, such incidents are common in this area. The police informed us that a criminal group, mostly female, targets cash and credit cards and valuable items. Despite their efforts, they could not locate our belongings.

The shattered glass on the side of the road indicates that this area is a frequent crime scene. However, visitors like us are not warned about these dangers. The awful and sprayed sign that says not to leave your belonging in the car is awful. The security cameras in the parking area are ineffective in aiding the authorities to catch the criminals, highlighting the inefficiency of Mountain Bonnell Trail's management.

This incident marred what was supposed to be a beautiful graduation ceremony. It is disappointing that such a popular destination lacks qualified management to ensure visitor safety. The management must take responsibility for past reports and educate the public about potential risks. Serious consequences are needed for such negligence to prevent future incidents.

I personally do not recommend this place no matter how beautiful the view or the hiking place is.

This is in a residential neighborhood, up the hill. Been here several times since my first visit of Austin about 25 years ago.

There are 2 entry points. The main one is the stairs towards the middle. But passing the center section, there’s another sloped walkway that maybe easier for elders.

It’s just nice and relaxing given its so close to the city

Magnificent views of the lake, a pleasant climb, and great people-watching. A highly regarded spot for enjoying the wonders of Austin.

There is limited parking at the base of Mount Bonnell so definitely get there a little bit early if you’re going for sunrise. We got there about 20 mins before sunrise today and there were a handful of people already up here.

There is a stone staircase straight to the top with a handrail down the middle. Several people were up there with children and dogs so it’s definitely not a difficult hike to the top. It took us about 2-3 minutes to walk up without stopping.

The view is nice, but it is NOT a panoramic view like some might say... the trees and brush at the top really restrict the views so there was really just one corner with an opening to see the sunrise. Needs some clearing to be able to see all of the city.

This was a nice one time thing for us in ATX... don’t regret it, won’t go back.

The views from top are super awesome. The weather also feels pretty nice on top. The trail is not very difficult and people of any age can easily do it.

Challenging climb for everyone. Stairs but difficult vertical slant. Nice view of Austin with short side trails

Great views. Easy to get to. Lots of parking. Good trails. Heights to see the Austin Bridge, many gorgeous homes along the River. Beautiful drive up to the park. Great thing to do in an afternoon. Probably would be really cool to see at night. Serene little break away.

Wonderful View of the Colorado River and the homes that are in the Valley. Very easy climb to the top. Maybe take a picnic?....not much to do but enjoy the view. If I had to make a decision of an Uber ride to get here....I may pass on that.

Although it's quite a hike up all the stairs, the view from atop Mount Bonnell is amazing! It's worth the hike! Beautiful views of the Colorado River and the city of Austin in the distance. Just gorgeous.

This is the best vantage point above the Lake Austin. Relatively easy to get to, quite a few steps. Highly recommend.

Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park in this part of the country, is a prominent point alongside the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River that flows through Austin, Texas. A popular tourist destination since the 1850s, the mount provides a vista for viewing the city of Austin, Lake Austin and the surrounding hill country. It was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1969 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. Mount Bonnell is hardly a peak for lofty elevation, standing only about 775 feet above sea level. Mount Barker, the next summit to the north, has an elevation of about 840 feet. But Mount Bonnell has a lot of history attached to it. For openers, it was named for George W. Bonnell, who came to Texas with others to fight for Texas Independence in 1836 and served as commissioner of Indiana affairs in the Republic of Texas under President Sam Houston. Today, Mount Bonnell attracts tourists and locals for mountain biking, running, jogging, walking and hiking on the Mount Bonnell hiking trail that once served as an Indian trail into Austin.

One hundred steps from the parking lot gets you to the top. A good view of the river directly below you, and of the city skyline, but only a few places to sit and not much more to see. Worth a visit if you're west of the city.

Lots of stairs but found another entrance that was a trail up the mountain. Lots of unpaved trails, wear comfortable shoes. The view is worth the walk.

The title says it all! The best views are west from the top of the stairs, going up river (to the right), but there are so many people it’s difficult get a photo without people in the background. Austin is still gorgeous though and this is the highest natural spot to see it from.

It's not the Grand Canyon but, it is grand nonetheless. Just checking out things in the local area of where I was staying, Bonnell Park at Mount Bonnell was a fun healthy experience and is good for the lone traveler or groups. The steps are a nice challenge to battle the calories of all the great Austine cuisine. On a warm day, you might be fortunate to get a nice breeze? The park can be a hot spot, so bring water! The views from the top of the cliffside are incredible! While there, I did see a group of guys who managed to get a wheelchair-bound friend up there, with some effort. Unless your deftly afraid of heights, you'll enjoy the views and the walk. Parking is easy but, a bit tricky (you need to be careful due to light traffic). Also, there are no toilet options up there; so, prepare. But, whatever you do...go...see...take it all in.

Worth a quick stop. Amazing city line and lake views. A little steep. Spent only like 10 minutes in total. Plenty of parking. I walked from Mayfield for a little extra exercise.

We visited this viewpoint on a sunny Sunday recently and were very impressed with the view that you have on the top. One way you are looking at the city of Austin in the distance and immediately below you there is a wide lake in the Colorado River with some spectacular houses dotting the shoreline. It is rocky on top so you need to watch your footing. There are guard rails also which you should go around. Little children need to be watched also. Highly recommended on a sunny day.

It’s a very short hike to some good views. There are a couple of picnic tables at the top, but if they are full there are plenty of flat rocks to sit on on the trail back.

Love it here. Great spot with beautiful views of the Colorado River! Make sure you wear sneakers when you visit. The path is uneven.

I go twice a week strictly to run the stairs. I run sets of 9, 12 , 15 or 18. Up to the top of Mt. Bonnell and down being one set. Sometimes I will leap up as fast as I can, other times, jog up. Mix it up and find your own limits. You will be exhausted and defeated but after several months you will laugh at that mountain and own it! You will have the best cardio of your life. I mark my sets with a random rock on the stairs at the bottom because you will lose count. It's difficult. Go when its not crowded. Remember 'feel the burn' good, 'hear the burn' bad!

We loved the hike and the beautiful views but our rental car window was bashed in and two purses stolen. Dangerous area. We were only gone for 45 minutes and didn't want to haul our purses with. Couldn't believe it. Such a nice area ruined by thieves.

Much shorter than anticipated! Only took 5-10 minutes, so make sure you stop frequently on the way up and savor the view. It was pretty crowded and touristy, and the path was very open and rocky- so snakes weren't an issue as you may worry they would be in Texas in the middle of summer. Plenty of shady spots on the way up and down, but not really any at the top, so wear a hat and sunscreen. No water fountains or restrooms nearby that I saw. Beautiful views though!

We went here on our last full day in Austin. It was a bit cloudy but still had a blast! Great view!!

The “mountain” is not what it may sound like at first — it’s a quick 5-10 minute walk from the streetside parking to the top of the lookout point to see the city. Still worth doing for the views, but it won’t take very long

A fun bonus of my visit was walking back to some local vendors who made excellent homemade horchata I mixed strawberry into!

Beautiful views. Got pretty crowded on a Saturday to watch the sun set. Very easy hike -- about 100 easy steps and you are at the top.

I headed to Mt. Bonnell to get a good long hike in, but after you 'climb' the 100 or so steps to the top, the hiking is rather limited - less than 1 mile round trip. Fairly crowded so most of the good 'seats' were taken. Fantastic views of mansions, river and surrounding hills made it well worth the drive however.

Great Views of Lake Travis / Colorado River and partial view of the Austin Skyline. About 100 or so stairs to the top. A couple short trails on and around the summit. Nothing too strenuous; but, need to be careful on the side trails. Worth it for the views. We went during the week and it wasn’t crowded.

We climbed up the stairs & then came down the trail. Very easy hike...results are spectacular views of the river & Austin!! Tennis shoes are appropriate.

This is my daily route to work. I love the views. I’ve hiked it a few times & recommend it for a short, vigorous walk.

Just a short hike up a couple of stories of steps and you will have a great view of the lake and the mansions along it. There is parking along the street. The hike is not long but has uneven rock surfaces and a steep drop off. Be careful with kids getting too close to the edge.

This is vantage point gives you an amazing view of downtown Austin while taking the nature around you.

What a beautiful hike of Mt Bonnell. The views were AWESOME. 101 steps up to the view. So very great. Definitely recommend!!!

Amazing experience. Everyone should trek up !! Watch for car thefts thought. We took an Uber from Austin hotel for peace of mind

Mount Bonnell is a gorgeous place to see and to check out. It is a very easy hike to do plus you can even bring your dog along. You get so many great views of downtown and of the beautiful Colorado river. This has also been known to be a good place to drop the big question for that special someone. Even though the hike is short still make sure to bring some water and some food never hurts. You will not regret going to here.

It is a lovely drive up Mount Bonnell. The lookout is not well sign posted but your GPS will find it. The walk up is easy and worth doing.

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!

Mount Bonnell is basically a huge hiking trail version of a staircase. You go to the top of the mountain and there is a great scenic view of the lake and homes around Austin. If you go to Mount Bonnell I highly suggest checking out Laguna Gloria gardens right next to it.

Wonderful view of the lake. Easy to hike and get to. Parking can be a little tricky. This a must see place to visit I'm Austin. Review by Culiat

Very relaxing. A walk in the nature. Very cool view of Austin skyline from a spot. It is worth at least 1 hour

We heard from it from the Uber driver and headed there at sunset by chance and it was beautiful. It has nice views over the river but also of Austin! Nice for a break of the city! It is not even a hike, just a few steps up!

12 minutes drive from downtown Austin and 5-15 minutes hiking to the top. Tourists get to see the wavy side of Texas and Austin skyline; citizens get a touch to nature. There are paved trails and natural trails. Maybe even some bushwhacking but I didn’t explore.

At the west end of 35th streets take a left past the power station and Westwood county club and drive towards the sky up Mt.Bonnel Road. at the top you willl see a prking area near some stairs. the stairs are steep and there are a lot of them but the reward at the top is breathtaking. make the eggort worth it and take a picnic , sit down and stare out at the tranquil beatiful view . the stirway is much easier going down lol

You know, legend has it that you will be destined to marry the person you hike Mt. Bonnell with. In my case, I hope to god that's not true, but it's still a pretty place with a nice view.

By the way, it's hardly a hike -- you'll walk up some stairs and get a nice vista of the lake and very expensive houses.

Beware of thieves, do NOT leave valuables in vehicle. Got our car broken into, the window busted in because my friend who's visiting from New York left her handbag on the backseat. We were only gone for about 20 minutes. Granted it was our mistake to leave it out on the seat, clearly visible. Just thought it would be good to let others know this can happen.

Very easy to drive up and not a long walk. Our tour guide took us there yesterday. The overview of the city and the Austin Lake was amazing. The bonus was lots of butterflies flying around, and very easy to be photographed. They stay on flowers and even rocks for a long time!

You are able to walk up the steps or the easy way up to the top feels kind of cool that George Armstrong Custer used to have picnics there with his wife . On the top beautiful views up and down the lake

Never leave anything valuable in the car! I was just there for about 30 mins and my car window was smashed and they stole my purse that was hidden under the seat. They immediately went to a local Walmart and started charging up my credit card. The money and cards can be replaced but the sentimental card that I kept since my 4 year old passed away will never be replaced. That bothers me the most! Such a beautiful view but the thieves ruin it for people. I wish I read the reviews before visiting.

My uncle Billy and I had a great time at hiking but when we returned to our car we witnessed two guys breaking the windows ti get into our truck. At that point my Uncle Billy shot one of them with a pistol he always carry’s and instead of the car thieves getting into trouble - at least the one that wasn’t lying in the pavement in the parking lot, my uncle billy got in trouble . The police said that that stealing from the car wasn’t bad enough to get shot. Luckily they changed their mind and let uncle billy go when they found out he was one of the good guys .

Be prepared to walk lots of stairs from the main entry, or an incline from the back entry. The walk was worth it to see the River and buildings below. I'd suggest good walking shoes as it is rocky and uneven ground which can have steep inclines. Such a great view from multiple places. Great place to take photos from also! Would recommend as part of your trip to Austin.

It was a little bit of a drive to get there, but it is a very short hike up to the scenic outlooks on top, which overlook the Colorado River and the (must be) million dollar homes lining the banks below. A nice getaway from the city if you want to mix it up a bit. And it's FREE!

Mount Bonnell
Address:3800 Mt Bonnell Rd
Austin, TX 78731
Parking: Free parking along Mt. Bonnell Rd.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.5 Miles
Dogs: Yes, dogs are allowed

Short and easy hike and great place to watch the sunset over the city of Austin. There are two ways to reach the overlook, you can walk up the stairs or take the trail. It’s a total of 106 steps to the overlook. I recommend taking the trail because you get better views of the beautiful homes and the Colorado river.

Bring bug spray because there are a lot of bugs, or there was when I did this hike in September. My original plan was to setup a picnic but the bugs made it unbearable

Straight up stairs. Not hard but could be a challenge for some. The view is very pretty. I have been to Austin many times and somehow never seen this.

This is a nice spot to check out the views of Lake Austin and the Colorado River. The hiking trail to the top of the overlook is short and there was plenty of parking.

Enjoyable 15 min climb up. Stairs and trail Vailable. The view of the city and lake austin from there is just breathtaking. Its beyond marvelous

Great view of the Colorado River and the Austin skyline. Definitely worth the trip.
Choose a day that's clear so that you get to enjoy the view completely.

If you are coming from a state with mountains then it will likely not be too interesting. The view was pretty but a little bit of a let down. The top was extremely overcrowded and not well kept with a lot of trash and graffiti. You can get a nice view of the city and the river below. Overall though it is definitely an Austin site that is overrated. Hopefully the city will make some investments to make the park prettier in the future.

I ran here from the Grove area, which is about 2 miles. As many reviews note, there is a big staircase to the top, but at the end of the parking area, there is also access via a more gradual incline. There are great views of the river, but the area is fairly small and was somewhat crowded (this was around 11 am on Saturday). There are a couple of picnic tables and spots to sit down. It was worthwhile, but I wouldn't plan on spending more than 30-45 minutes here.

Beautiful view. A bit of a hike but well worth it. I wish there were more shady areas to sit or have a picnic

This is one of our favorite places to visit in Austin. You climb up I believe close to 100 steps or so to get up there. Views from top are amazing! Can also see the Austin downtown skyline from the top. Some of the waterfront houses are just amazing!!

The view is spectacular and park is beautiful. Easy to get to and the climb up and down is easy. Worth the trip and not far from Austin. Very nice drive from Austin and beautiful homes.

Easy climb up 100+ stairs to ok views of expensive homes. I was expecting great views of the river and city and those were not great. Have to stand on a concrete table. Wouldn't make a special trip.

This is a small park in Austin (Covert Park). You can climb the stairs (100 plus) or go up a hill gradually. Views are of the lake, downtown and the surrounding hills. Parking is plenty. You do not need a lot of time and it is not a must see unless you have extra time.

Located on Mount Bpnnell Rd off Rd 2222 in Austin is a hidden gem called Covert Park at Mount Bonnell. Parking is free on the side of the road. A stone staircase leads straight up (with room to pass slower climbers and wide ledges on the side to sit and rest if needed) to gorgeous views of the Austin skyline and surrounding area. Trails invite you to explore the woods. It’s a must see when in Austin. This outing can easily be paired with a visit to Mayfield Park and Preserve at the foot of the hill which is also free of charge.

It is a quick 30 minute activity as you hike up the stairs to a magnificent view of Austin. There is one short trail to explore as you look down on the amazing homes and views. We are so glad we did this!

What a great choice to stop as a out of town tourist. If you use the stairs to go up, be sure to walk down the path to the right. The views are wonderful.