Mount Bonnell (Covert Park at Mount Bonnell)

A City of Austin park with stone stairs to an overlook above Lake Austin

1 trail Any time of year. Spring and fall are the most comfortable; in summer, go early in the morning or near sunset.

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Mount Bonnell is a City of Austin park, officially Covert Park at Mount Bonnell, at 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd. Stone stairs lead to the summit, which looks out over Lake Austin, downtown and the western hills. The City lists park hours as 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

People have climbed Mount Bonnell for the view since the mid-1800s. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (1969) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2015). The climb is short, and the overlook sits on the Lake Austin shoreline, a short drive from Tarrytown. Sunset and early morning are the most common times to go. Weekday mornings are the quietest.

Updated November 2026

Trail Map

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Viewpoint

Quick Reference

Trail	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Best For
Mount Bonnell	-	-	-	lake views, sunset visits, a short climb, out-of-town guests

Mount Bonnell

Highlights

Views of Lake Austin, downtown and the western hills
Stone stairs to the summit
A Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and National Register site

Parking

3800 Mount Bonnell Rd. Parking near the stairs is limited, so go early in the morning or on a weekday. Park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (City of Austin, read Nov 2, 2026).

Local Tip

The main overlook draws the crowd. Walk past it along the ridge for quieter spots facing west over Lake Austin.

What to Bring

Wear shoes with good grip for the stone stairs.
Bring water, especially in summer.
Leave valuables out of sight in your car.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Looking for a home near these trails? These neighborhoods have the best access.

Lake Austin

Mount Bonnell overlook sits inside the Lake Austin guide area, on the shoreline

Tarrytown

Mount Bonnell overlook about 1.7 miles from the neighborhood's center (straight line)

Old Enfield

Mount Bonnell overlook about 2.6 miles from the neighborhood's center (straight line)

Trail Guide FAQ

Where do you park for Mount Bonnell?

The park is at 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd. Parking nearby is limited, so arrive early in the morning or on a weekday. Park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, per the City of Austin.

What are Mount Bonnell's hours?

The City of Austin lists Covert Park at Mount Bonnell as open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (read Nov 2, 2026).

How many steps are there at Mount Bonnell?

The City describes stone stairs leading to the summit. It is a short climb, and most people reach the overlook in a few minutes. Take it slowly if the stairs are wet.

Is Mount Bonnell good for sunset?

Sunset is one of the most common times to visit, because the overlook faces west over Lake Austin. Plan to arrive early, since parking fills, and note the park closes at 10 p.m.

Which neighborhoods are closest to Mount Bonnell?

The overlook sits inside the area our Lake Austin guide covers, on the shoreline. Tarrytown is next: the overlook is about 1.7 miles from the neighborhood's center (straight line). Old Enfield is about 2.6 miles from the overlook, measured from the neighborhood's center (straight line).

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