Good evening, Kibitzers. I was absent last Saturday because the BF and I were spending the weekend in Austin. We went with another couple who are close friends of ours, and we mainly spent our time eating and shopping (as usual). Before we went home, though, we decided to take a trip to Mount Bonnell—the BF had gone before, but it was completely new to the rest of us. And considering my love for scenic overlooks, I don’t know how I’ve been to Austin so many times without going there.
Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park, is one of the highest points in Austin at 775 feet, and it offers scenic views of downtown Austin (as seen above), Lake Austin (a reservoir on the Colorado River), and the surrounding hills. It’s also a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. From the historical marker, which was placed in 1969:
Rising 775 feet above sea level, this limestone height was named for George W. Bonnell, who came to Texas with others to fight for Texas independence, 1836. Was commissioner of Indian affairs in Republic of Texas under President Sam Houston. Moved in 1839 to Austin; there published the "Texas Sentinel", 1840. Member Texan-Santa Fe expedition, 1841. Was captured but released in time to join Mier expedition, 1842. Was killed in camp on Rio Grande, Dec, 26, 1842. Frontiersman W.A.A. "Bigfoot" Wallace killed an Indian he met face to face while crossing a narrow ledge 50 feet above river, 1839. He also took refuge in a Mount Bonnell cave to recover from "flux", but was missing so long his sweetheart eloped. In the mid-1800s Mormons built a mill on the Colorado river at foot of Mount Bonnell. Mill was destroyed by flood and the Mormons moved on west. Mount Bonnell was site of picnics and outings in 1850s and 1860s. As it is today. Legend has it that an excursion to the place in the 1850s inspired the popular song "Wait for the Wagon and We'll All Take a Ride". As a stunt in 1898, Miss Hazel Keyes slid down a cable stretched from the top of Mount Bonnell to south bank of then Lake McDonald below.
I have to admit that, as somebody who mainly goes to Austin to eat BBQ and tacos, I was a little taken aback by how naturally beautiful Austin is. This particular trip took me to parts of the Austin area I’d never been to before, and I was struck at how familiar some of it looked (being from the hills of Pennsylvania).
When we got to Mount Bonnell, the sun was out and it was over 90 degrees. I looked at the steps leading up to the top and almost fainted—this is just the beginning, and the steps seem to be endless once you start.
Looking down the steps from closer to the top:
The views from the top are worth the climb, though. At the top, there is a nice view deck and pavilion (so you can rest your feet). There are also some trails offering a few different lookout points. The BF and I posing:
Some more pics I took from the top:
When I got home, I looked on Instagram for pics other people took from Mount Bonnell, and I was not disappointed:
Next time, we’re going to have to visit either for sunrise or sunset. Here’s a different kind of view—absolutely incredible video:
If you ever go to Mount Bonnell, though, make sure you watch your step…
What do you want to kibitz about tonight?