Welcome to the top of Mount Bonnell!
I wonder what happened to the stone sign. Anyone know?
When it’s a scorching 100° in Austin, TX and a climb up Mount Bonnell is on the day’s agenda, the unknowing tourist may start perspiring simply at the thought of a mountain hike. Trust me, I felt that way. But fear not! At about 780 feet above sea level, much of the mountain’s trek is up the winding roads via automobile. The journey that includes steps is not intimidating. Count to about 100 and you’ve overcome the climb.
It doesn’t look like it here, but whichever engineer determined the rise over run for these steps was not overly considerate for the five-foot human.
After a few minutes ascending the stone steps, you’ll encounter a lovely park area complete with seating, picnic tables and brush. Beyond the safety of the fence, spectacular views of downtown and suburban Austin sprawl. Overlooking the sparkling blue ribbon that is the Colorado River with mansions nestled in the hillside.
Downtown Austin, TX skyline
The beauty of a place can often be found in the details.
My, what large houses you have!
In my post-visit research, I read that Mount Bonnell was once called Antoinette’s Leap. The fable alleges that a young woman chose to jump to her death from the summit to escape Native Americans after they had killed her lover. I have no proof that this is true, but should I ever involve this location in my love story, it would be for a nice sunset picnic than the latter.
Top of the World at Mount Bonnell.
Not pulling an Antoinette.
Mansions along the Colorado River. Makes me wonder who lives there, what they do, and how I can end up there.
