Mount Bonnell is a great landmark and one of the most visited sites in Austin, TX. The limestone height stands at 775 ft above sea level and is considered to be the highest point within Austin City Limits. It has been a popular sightseeing destination since the mid-19th century and continues to attract tourists, locals, and hikers of varying abilities.
Once you’ve climbed the 100 steps (give or take) of the historic, limestone staircase there are truly spectacular views from the top. Mount Bonnell rises on the eastern bank of Lake Austin and provides one of the best vantage points to see the entire city. From the iconic Pennybacker Bridge to the Hill Country in the west and Austin’s ever-changing skyline to the southeast, this hotspot is the ideal place for panoramic views of the city.
History
Covert Park is the official name of Mount Bonnell (after the land was donated by Frank Covert in 1939), though you’ll rarely hear it called that by the locals. The park is now a 5.1-acre historic linear park, with a history dating back to the 1830s. Bed Bug Exterminator Austin
The name Mount Bonnell is believed to have come from George W. Bonnell, a soldier who fought for Texas independence and became the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Republic of Texas. He visited the site in 1838 and wrote about it in his journal. Bonnell went on to become the publisher of The Texas Sentinel newspaper and was prominent in the early affairs of Texas and Austin (then Travis County).
You may also hear Mount Bonnell referred to as Antoinette’s leap. Legend says that a young woman leaped from the peak of Mount Bonnell to avoid being captured by Native Americans who had killed her fiancé.
The leap of Antoinette is not the only story of Mount. Bonnell. Frontiersman W.A.A “Bigfoot” Wallace was crossing a narrow ledge 50 feet above the river when he came face to face with a Native American. After killing the Native American, Wallace hid in one of the caves of Mount. Bonnell to recover from ‘flux’. It is believed he hid for so long that his sweetheart thought he was dead and so she eloped with someone else.
Visit Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is a great landmark and one of the most visited sites in Austin. The limestone height stands at 775 ft above sea level and is considered to be the highest point within Austin City Limits. It has been a popular sightseeing destination since the mid-19th century and continues to attract tourists, locals, and hikers of varying abilities. Park is open every day from 5:00 to 22:00
Address: 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas
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