Mount Bonnell is among the highest points in Austin, offering easily accessible, sweeping views of the city that Standing at 775 feet, Mount Bonnell is Austin’s highest natural point, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Austin, the downtown skyline, and the rolling Texas Hill Country. A short but steep 102-step climb leads to the summit, where a scenic overlook awaits—a favorite for sunrises, sunsets, and romantic picnics.

This iconic landmark has drawn visitors since the 1850s, with stories swirling about outlaws, duels, and ghostly encounters adding a layer of intrigue to its rugged beauty. The peak was named after George W. Bonnell, a journalist, adventurer, and early observer of the site in 1838.

Mount Bonnell also carries two additional names:

• Covert Park, in honor of Frank M. Covert, whose family donated land to preserve the site in 1939.
• Antoinette’s Leap, a local legend about a woman who leapt to her death to escape capture after her fiancé was killed.

With no entrance fee, no reservations required, and one of the best city views in Texas, Mount Bonnell remains an Austin bucket-list essential—whether for a quick climb, a peaceful retreat, or a picture-perfect moment.