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Mount Bonnell
Categories: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Active Life Hiking Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Hiking [Edit]
Mt. Bonnell RdAustin, TX 78731
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
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93 reviews for Mount Bonnell
Review Highlights
"There are a lot of nooks to sit and take in the views."
(in 25 reviews)
"Really beautiful place to watch the sunset."
(in 7 reviews)
"It's definitely worth the climb up the 100 stairs."
(in 3 reviews)
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93 reviews in English
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Review from Sabrina F.
Austin, TX
2/4/2012
Great view with historical relevance. A must see for tourist and a great place for a picnic on a nice day. Totally worth the drive.
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Review from Bernadette D.
Austin, TX
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Cee B.
10/17/2011
Agh. Super, super STEEP for those with little cars and no 4-wheel drive. That's my main problem with this place. Even driving with someone with a 4WD truck was difficult at times! But just look at the pictures, well worth it if you can't make it to Barton Springs or something.
Great place to get food at Whole Foods and bring it to the top and look out over the lake. There's a few stone tables to eat on. The sunset view is spectacular. It's quite a hike but the weather is so nice. You can hike or do whatever. You can also drive through the celebrity neighborhoods if you're a creeper and are so delusional as to think you'll actually spot matthew mcconaughey, sandra bullock, or lance armstrong.Listed in: BALLIN' ON A BUDGET?, Aus10, TX, Sort of Healthy?
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Review from Kelly G.
Palo Alto, CA
9/14/2011
Really beautiful place to watch the sunset. A little crowded, but that meant we got to watch a bunch of couples snuggling and a guy trying to romance his date with a wine picnic (decanter and all) at the one stone picnic table as the sun went down.
Nice job, buddy.
We got sandwiches at Whole Foods and brought them up here. It was hot as hell, but worth it--so pretty. -
Review from Christina N.
Houston, TX
1/4/2012
I remember when I got my Mount Bonnell cherry popped. Great experience. View was awesome, the trek there was fun. However, a few years after that I went back and it wasn't the same. It was crowded with people and there was a lot of litter and vandalism. Not as appealing from what I remembered.
Listed in: Weekend in Austin, TX
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Review from Gdawg w.
Columbus, OH
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Easy climb up a few steps. great views of nice homes on colorado river and of downtown Austin. make sure you walk around the paths around as you can get away from the crowds and get some good pictures! I went on a Sunday, parking was easy.
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Review from Arthur M.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012
Looks like California from up there.
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Review from Michelle M.
Houston, TX
1/8/2012
This is a pretty little park with a great view of (what I assume is) the Colorado River. I came here first with some elder relatives a few years ago, and the climb was too much for my uncle whose knees weren't so good. However, it's not too strenuous so long as your knees are decent. The vista it offers is so lovely! So, I took a friend here upon my second visit to show him the lovely view of suburban Austin.
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Review from Apurva N.
Austin, TX
1/4/2012
This is a must for any Austinite to take out of town visitors during your tour of the city. Great views of West Lake and downtown, fantastic at sunset, and a perfect photo op that your visitors will appreciate and show to their friends back home and leave a lasting impression of Austin.
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Review from Melissa M.
Sugar Land, TX
After an amazing dinner in Austin, we wanted to wait before we indulged in dessert. Mount Bonnell was the perfect place to see a sunset. We drove up and found lots of easy parking along the road. Within a couple of minutes we were looking out over the lake and watching the sun set.
I loved that it was so accessible. No hiking shoes needed.
I loved that it was free! No parking costs.
I loved that you could see the lake, view, and sunset from anywhere and didn't have to climb to the top. We didn't climb to the top but we still had a great view.
This is the perfect place to see a sunset or just hang out.Listed in: Austin, Tejas
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Review from Lora T.
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
106 steps.
Gorgeous views, day or night.
Nice rocks to perch upon to soak it all in.
...People ruining that ambience when they slobber all over each other in plain sight.
Get a room, people. -
Review from Alexander T.
Houston, TX
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
A staple of my Austin experiences. This is the perfect 2 hour nature experience which requires little preparation to enjoy.
Watching a sunrise or sunset has never been more convenient, romantic, or relaxing for all Austinites. Well worth the short hike from your parked cars! -
Review from Stephen H.
Overland Park, KS
6/12/2011
Beautiful way-up view of the Austin skyline. Short drive, short (but steep!) walk. Sit and enjoy.
PS There's a view of a river which is called the Colorado outside of Austin (not to be confused with the BIG Colorado river) but which in Austin is called, varyingly, Lake Austin, Town Lake, and most popularly, Lady Bird Lake).Listed in: Austin Top 55
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Review from Sarah S.
Round Rock, TX
4/11/2011 2 photos
Yes, it's a place all the tourists hit, but it's still a great place for a walk.
It's free, the views are gorgeous, it's quiet and peaceful, and walking up all the steps must burn a few Yelper calories, right?
And then, when you are done, Laguna Gloria and Mayfield Park (also favorites) are right down the road!Listed in: Fergus the furball Favorites
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Review from Reena D.
10/3/2011 1 photo
Most beautiful view in Austin. My husband and I decided to take a morning walk here with the perfect weather. I was shocked in how beautiful and CLEAN this area was. It was very peaceful and I enjoyed it! Oh and we didn't have to pay for PARKING!
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Review from Alison S.
Austin, TX
3/30/2011 2 photos
This is a super short hike to a BEAUTIFUL view. I've been here a few times, and each time, there was nobody else there so it's a super romantic spot. Also, since the hike is so short, it's a good spot for families. You would need to watch kids climbing on the walls though because it could get dangerous. It would be a great spot for a picnic:)
There aren't any lights, so make sure you check the sunset time for the night and head up there with plenty of time before it gets dark! If you want to watch the sunset, I suggest leaving before it's completely dark and/or bringing a flashlight. -
Review from Kurt G.
Austin, TX
9/4/2010
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 -
Review from Kat M.
3/31/2011
This view is what sold me on moving to Austin. I love it! Everyone I have brought to Mount Bonnell has commented on how beautiful it is and can see why I chose to move here.
Yes, there are stairs... BUT my elderly mother and father ascended with no complaints and not short of breath. Our 4.5lb Morkie loves to run up and down the stairs. It is hardly an arduous journey.
This is the hubby's and my dream location for our next home. -
Review from Megan M.
11/18/2010
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? -
Review from Errol M.
6/28/2010
Mount Bonnell?
Well, isn't it still one of the top five places in Austin to get high?
No, really --- it's a hassle to get to the roof of a tall downtown building these days, so this will do.Listed in: "Tasty Local Flavor"
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Review from jocy c.
10/26/2010
Mount Bonnell is a great place to visit to see the sunset while in Austin. It's a very versatile place... good for couples (romantic) but also good for families or dogs (must be leashed).
Views of the city as well as Lake Austin.
Beautiful place. Can be very touristy though.Listed in: Austin, Texas, Dog Friendly
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Review from Gary K.
6/27/2010 2 photos
We here we go, more tourist stuff. We arrived by car thank god we did not half to walk to Mt. Bonnell. The four of us waddled, climbed, skipped or dragged up the steps, we all counted the steps and got four different numbers, so there are about 100 to 107 steps or so (+ or - 10 should cover it). This climb for us old codgers is tough; I was close to death, heart pounding, heavy breathing, and legs wobbly, and sweat rolling down my head, bust my buttons, no running up that hill for me. It was hotter than three witch's tits; if I could find a witch with three tits I would test the theory.
Any way after you are up there the view is great, even the waste treatment plant looks good. Worth the climb if you haven't been. When you arrive at the top slip through the bushes on the left and get to the open rock area the view is good from there.
BTW: take lots of water in this heat!
The trip down is much easier.
Would I go back? Yes by helicopter next time. -
Review from Daniel J.
4/12/2011
I would say this is a truly lovely and picturesque place to canoodle with your gal after the sun sets if I wasn't so breathless, sweaty, and red in the face after climbing 102 stairs to get to the top.
Listed in: Keep it Weird
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Review from Kari M.
There are so many reasons to go to Mt. Bonnell:
* Casual hike
* Family oriented
* Nooks for romantic views
* Picnic tables at the top
* Beautiful views
* Great place to bring visitors
Been here so many times in all the years and never got sick of it. -
Review from jennifer y.
Lewisville, TX
It has a great view here but nothing much of a public restroom and not much of a natural hiking trail ... so minus one star! hehe
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Review from Trina H.
2/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
While I enjoyed the view (of both the city skyline, river and mansions down below), I was rather disappointed. I thought I was in for a workout. Turns out, the most strenuous I felt was after climbing those 100 steps. That was about it.
Although, for kids, they would REALLY enjoy it. My four year old totally loved it and kept trying to find more 'secret paths' to explore.
Also, lots and lots of couples getting all smooshy. Which is cool. Yay Love! But, why not save it for after 6pm? Why make out at noon on a Sunday? Whatever.
Turns out, the only reason I'll be coming back is because my son begs and pleads and annoys me into taking him. -
Review from Jaya F.
9/7/2010 3 photos
This place is a must-see in Austin.
The place has two routes - about 50 steps or a slope up to the top for the views.
Beautiful views of the lake below and surrounding areas.
There are a lot of nooks to sit and take in the views. Saw a couple have wine and cheese as they viewed the sunset together. So romantic .... -
Review from Jessica M.
Austin, TX
12/3/2010 5 photos
Mount Bonnell was kind of disappointing. I'm sorry kids, but, it was.
First of all, the "hike" is not bad at all. Seriously. Did I go up the wrong mount? You can either go up about 100 steps, or go up a trail, but it's not steep or strenuous.
Yes, the view is really nice, but do people come here to see the view... or to gaze at all the mansions below? Because most people I saw were looking down at the houses, not out at the water.
There are also a LOT of couples. Like just kind of... being couple-y. So if you're a single, bitter person, I definitely would sit this place out. Or bring tomatoes and throw them at the gross lip lockers.
I don't know Mount Bonnell, I think you're nice, but I feel like there are better views out there somewhere. We'll see. Maybe we will meet again. -
Review from Richard D.
New York, NY
1/7/2011
If you've lived or visited in an other city (or state) that isn't flat, then this place gets 1 star. Sorry, but I was born and raised in Houston, which is even flatter, but I've lived in Washington, DC, the SF Bay area and visited countless nice viewpoints with my boo; She just loves to make me take nice romantic walks and views at sunset.
If you're from Texas or Louisiana, then this place is friggen amazing!
My boo and I were visiting Austin one summer on a whirlwind tour of my home state. It was super hot. The mercury was easily pushing close to 100 degrees and the humidity was so thick, it felt like being in a sauna. I searched on yelp for good views. Surely, TX hill country must have some good views, right?
Things may be bigger in TX, but sadly the views aren't. We hiked up the 100 steps, and the heat and humidity makes it pretty unbearable, but once you get up to the top, we were left thinking, "that's it?"
We found a kid at the top drawing in a sketch book and reflecting. He said, "it's amazing isn't it?" We both looked at each other like thinking the same thing, "meh." We didn't want to insult him, so we said "it's okay." He informed us of his of his North Louisiana roots and how this was the highest viewpoint he has ever seen.
Mount Bonnell is okay, but being with my boo always makes things seem better. -
Review from David N.
5/28/2010
This place is OK. I love the views from here except the gate prevents exceptional views. I guess it's there for your safety. The grounds are uneven if you want to explore the area be sure to wear shoes not sandals.
The steps going up to place is cool because you can use it as a work out, as I saw a group of girls doing abs at the bottom of the steps and then running up and down as part of some kind of bootcamp training.
The best thing I would recommend is bringing some food or some drinks and just relax at the top. I guess that's why the fence is there because I did notice a good amount of tipsy people. It's there safety I would imagine.Listed in: Austin: Day Activities
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Review from John S.
Austin, TX
8/8/2011
Been here a few times now. Make sure you walk around the trails and bring plenty of water as it can get hot up there! The steps are not that bad and the views of the city are worth it. I climbed down a bit and sat under a tree and watched all of the summer boating. Just don't fall as it is a long way down.
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Review from Anna G.
Austin, TX
8/4/2008
Why you should go: best view of Austin from Austin
Who you should take: a first date, your family, your dog, a good conversationalist, an out-of-towner, yourself, some one you're trying to convince to move here (or stay), a combination of the above.
What you should take: beer
But you should probably not: make out or try to push someone off the cliff. The area is too busy, even late at night, for either.Listed in: Outdoorsy Fun for The Not So…
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Review from Stephen R.
Houston, TX
2/3/2010 3 photos
After parking, you have to walk up about one hundred steps to the top. There, you are greeted with great views of Lake Austin (Colorado River) and the 360 Bridge (Pennybacker). Downtown Austin is also visible in the distance to the South East. It's about five miles away. There is now some kind of structure (house?) on the southern edge of the park. In the past, you were able to walk in that direction, but now it's blocked off. There is a pavilion in the center of the park and a trail goes to the north.
The park also provides great views of all the houses that I will never be able to afford! -
Review from Garreth W.
Austin, TX
11/4/2009
This mountain is about as big as a nun-sandwich. 100 steps? Oh no! Quelle domage! How will we ever get to the summit? Maybe with sherpas and a base-camp supplied by Hummers.
That said, it's a great place to take a look at the scenery from. Nice place to watch the sunrise too, though there's probably some law against that. Search and rescue might not want to have to helicopter people from the 37th step before dawn. -
Review from Jill M.
Houston, TX
1/6/2008
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.Listed in: Company's comin'
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Review from Hungry S.
Denton, TX
7/9/2011
must see! the drive to Mt Bonnell is scenic, once you get to Mt Bonnell the view is spectacular. There is a climb up the stairs once you park but well worth it, hike the trails then drive down to the nature preserve and see the peacocks afterwards!
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Review from Cody R.
Austin, TX
3/30/2007
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. -
Review from Kathleen H.
San Angelo, TX
11/18/2007
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. -
Review from Manny A.
Austin, TX
11/30/2006
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. -
Review from Cara G.
Austin, TX
3/15/2009
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.
