{"id":33508,"date":"2024-07-29T15:33:24","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T15:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=33508"},"modified":"2024-07-29T15:33:24","modified_gmt":"2024-07-29T15:33:24","slug":"how-to-hike-mount-bonnell-for-the-best-austin-views","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/how-to-hike-mount-bonnell-for-the-best-austin-views\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Hike Mount Bonnell for the Best Austin Views"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a city known for its love of the great outdoors, Mount Bonnell is a must-see hike for any Austin visitor. With sweeping views of Lake Austin and the sprawling Austin skyline, it\u2019s a great place to enjoy a picnic, watch the sunset, or simply snap a few pics for your Instagram feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s everything you need to know about planning your Mount Bonnell visit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Mount Bonnell?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mount<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Clocking in at a less than impressive 775 feet, Mount Bonnell might not be considered much of a mountain in most places around the world, but in low-lying Austin, it more than qualifies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Named after early Texas newspaper publisher George W. Bonnell, Mount Bonnell is often described as the tallest point within Austin\u2019s original city limits, although it\u2019s technically outclassed by nearby Mount Barker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it\u2019s still one of the best places to go to get a bird\u2019s eye view of the city. In fact, many locals say Mount Bonnell has the best views in town \u2014 and I\u2019d have to agree!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Covert<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you’re interested in the history of Mount Bonnell, there are some plaques you’ll see on your hike to tell you more about it. One shares about the ownership history of the mountain and park. Another historical marker shares more about George Bonnell and about one W.A.A. “Bigfoot” Wallace, who hid in a Mount Bonnell cave while he recovered from dysentery and was gone so long his sweetheart eloped with someone else. You’ll also learn how Mormons built a mill at the foot of Mount Bonnell in the mid-1800s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why visit Mount Bonnell?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Aaron Jacobs \/ CC BY-SA 2.5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So why bother visiting this smallish mountain? Because it\u2019s the best place to take in sweeping views of Austin! And the best part is that it\u2019s one of the coolest free things to do in Austin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I often recommend that first-time visitors check out Mount Bonnell as their first outdoor activity in the city since it\u2019s a great place to take in the views and understand the layout of Austin\u2019s downtown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perched high above the valley, you can look down from Mount Bonnell and see Lake Austin, the iconic downtown Austin skyline, and some of the lush, green beauty of the hill country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA delicious Austin experience where old meets new<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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It\u2019s a great easy outdoor activity for families with small children who will appreciate the adventure of the short walk up, and it can also make for a romantic date night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack a picnic and sip sparkling cider as you watch the sunset over the lake in style, or go after dusk to see the town lit up at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to hike Mount Bonnell<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Located in the northern part of the city inside Covert Park, Mount Bonnell is easy to reach using a variety of transportation methods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locals in this car-loving metropolis typically drive or take an Uber to the mountain, but you can also take the bus if you don\u2019t mind walking about half an hour to the base. The 335 and 30 bus lines will drop you off about a mile from the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you get there, the Mount Bonnell hike is easy. In fact, some people don\u2019t even consider it a hike at all. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to complete the hike, which is easy enough for even the most inexperienced hiker. Small children should be able handle this slope with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a fully shaded easy staircase of around 100 steps that takes you right to the top of the mountain. From there, turn left to see the skyline, and right for the best views of Lake Austin and the 360 bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail is even, wide, and flat once you reach the top, and both ends of the trail have large, generous viewing areas where you can sit down and enjoy the scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do at Mount Bonnell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from simply enjoying the views, one of the best things to do at Mount Bonnell is take photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Hiking Texas (@hikingtexas)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>