Covert Park at Mount Bonnell is one of Austin’s classic overlooks—a short, stone-stair climb to sweeping vistas of Lake Austin, the downtown skyline, and the first folds of the Hill Country. The hill has drawn picnickers, sightseers, and romantics since the mid-1800s, and it remains one of the city’s easiest “wow” moments: no admission fee, a quick walk, and a payoff that feels like a postcard.
Why Mount Bonnell Is an Austin Must-See
From the summit, you’ll see boats threading along Lake Austin (a dammed stretch of the Colorado River), cypress and live oaks lining the banks, and neighborhoods tucked into limestone bluffs. On a clear day you can pick out the dome of the State Capitol and the shimmer of the downtown towers to the southeast. Sunsets paint the ridge lines gold; dawn breaks slow and quiet over the river. The park’s compact size makes it a perfect add-on to any Austin itinerary: easy to reach, easy to love, and easy to fit between coffee and dinner.
A Brief History of Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
Long before it became a city park, the ridge was a natural high point along routes used by Native peoples. In the Republic-era 1830s and 1840s, early Austin settlers treated the hill as an outing spot. By the 1850s it was firmly on the local picnic circuit—an “urban escape” decades before Austin would become a true city.
The hill’s name is usually credited to George W. Bonnell, an early Texas newspaperman who wrote about the area’s geography. Some historians argue it may have been named for Joseph Bonnell, a Texas Army officer and West Point contemporary of Albert Sidney Johnston. The truth is lost to time, but either story places the name squarely in Austin’s earliest years.
As its fame grew, Mount Bonnell attracted its share of spectacle. In 1898, daredevil Hazel Keyes drew headlines by sliding down a cable from the summit toward the riverbank below—an only-in-Austin stunt that cemented the hill’s reputation for big views and bigger stories.
The park’s modern name honors a local family whose philanthropy helped protect greenspace throughout the city. In 1939, members of the Covert family donated land at the summit to create Covert Park. The site became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1969 (Marker No. 6473) and joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. Today, the park encompasses a few scenic acres, but the sense of space feels much bigger—especially when the wind comes up from the river and the hills roll away to the horizon.
How to Visit (Parking, Hours, Accessibility)
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell sits at the top of Mount Bonnell Road in West Austin. There’s free roadside and small-lot parking at the base of the stairs, and there’s no admission fee. The city’s standard park hours apply—typically 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted—making sunrise and sunset both fair game.
From the parking area you’ll climb about 106 stone steps to the summit. The staircase is short but can be steep and uneven in spots; wear grippy shoes and take your time. A crushed-granite path runs along the ridge at the top, linking the overlook with a stone pavilion that provides a bit of shade. Because of the terrain, the summit area is not fully ADA-accessible. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed, and you’ll want to bring your own water and pack out any trash—amenities are minimal.
What You’ll See at the Top
View this post on Instagram
At the northern overlook, you’ll stand almost 775 feet above sea level, with a wide panorama over Lake Austin. Luxury homes cling to the bluffs below; boat wakes etch bright lines across the water. Pivot south and you’ll catch the downtown skyline rising beyond the river bends; pivot west and the hills step back into soft, blue-gray layers.
The ridge-top pavilion is a popular gathering spot for engagement photos, small picnics, and simply catching your breath. If you walk the short path beyond the pavilion, you’ll find quieter ledges with slightly different angles on the river and hills—ideal for photos and a little solitude. Please respect the railings and stay well back from cliff edges; the limestone can be crumbly, and the drop-offs are real.
Best Times and Photo Tips
View this post on Instagram
Sunrise rewards early birds with cooler air, softer color, and fewer people. Sunset is the crowd favorite, especially on fair-weather weekends. In summer, plan for heat: arrive early or late, bring water, and know that the stone steps can store up the day’s warmth. After rains, the staircase may be slick and the granite path muddy—another reason for shoes with tread.
Photographers love a wider lens for the overlook and a longer zoom for isolating boats, houses, and skyline details. If you’re aiming for a silhouette shot of the pavilion against a glowing horizon, arrive 20–30 minutes before sunset to claim a spot and give yourself time to compose. For the most flattering people shots, step back a couple of feet from the glassy lookouts and use the railings as a subtle leading line.
Nature Notes
Even with homes and roads close by, Mount Bonnell still offers a little Hill Country ecology lesson. You’ll see live oak and Ashe juniper (often called mountain cedar), plus mountain laurel, Texas persimmon, and other tough, drought-loving plants. Keep an eye out for purple martins and other songbirds overhead, and watch the rocks for basking Texas spiny lizards. If you visit near dusk, you might even spot an armadillo rooting for grubs along the edges of the trail.
Safety & Etiquette
The climb is short, but it’s still a climb—hydrate, watch your footing, and rest as needed. Keep pets leashed, yield the center of the steps to ascending visitors, and step aside for photos so everyone can enjoy the summit. Drones, amplified music, and off-trail scrambling are discouraged; the ledges are fragile and the drop-offs unforgiving. If you pack it in, pack it out—leaving the site clean keeps this beloved overlook beautiful.
Nearby Sights to Add to Your Itinerary
Covert Park pairs easily with other west-side gems. Mayfield Park & Preserve sits minutes away with shady paths, ponds, and famously strutting peacocks. Laguna Gloria, home of The Contemporary Austin’s sculpture garden and a historic villa, offers art among oak groves along the water.
If your heart is set on a bridge shot, head to the Pennybacker (Loop 360) Bridge Overlook, which is a separate viewpoint a few miles away—not the same location as Mount Bonnell, but a great companion stop for a full afternoon of Austin views.
Getting There (Simple Directions)
From central Austin, take MoPac (Loop 1) to 35th Street and head west. Follow 35th as it curves and climbs; turn right onto Mount Bonnell Road and continue until the road tops out at the trailhead. Parking is on the right, and the staircase begins just beyond the signage. Rideshare works well at off-peak times; on nice weekends, arrive early to avoid the heaviest crowds.
FAQs
View this post on Instagram
Is Mount Bonnell the same as the 360 Bridge overlook?
No. Mount Bonnell overlooks Lake Austin from Covert Park; the Pennybacker (Loop 360) Bridge Overlook is a separate viewpoint a few miles away.
How many steps are there?
Roughly 106 stone steps from the parking area to the summit.
What are the hours and fees?
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell is typically open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and free to visit. There’s no admission fee and parking is free.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes—with supervision. The climb is short, but there are steep drop-offs near the overlooks. Keep children within arm’s reach and behind railings.
Are there restrooms or water fountains?
Amenities are very limited. Bring your own water and plan bathroom breaks before or after your visit.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes—leash required. Be mindful of heat on the stone steps and carry water for your pet.
Why is it called Mount Bonnell?
Most sources credit newspaper editor George W. Bonnell for the name; a minority argue for Joseph Bonnell of the Texas Army. The exact origin is uncertain, but the name dates to Austin’s earliest decades.
