This beloved scenic overlook is a park atop a limestone ledge 775 feet above sea level. A 5 minute drive from downtown Austin and a climb of 99 steps (someone else counted 106) gains you a view of Lake Austin from high above, the hill country views to the west, and the skyline of downtown Austin. There are two picnic tables at the top. This is a public park, courtesy of the City of Austin.

The name of George W. Bonnel is just one of a few luminaries who have graced the spot. Bonnell was a Texas freedom fighter in 1836. In 1839, another notable frontiersman, W.A.A. "Bigfoot" Wallace killed an Indian here while teetering on a risky ledge 50 feet above the water. It became a popular picnic spot in the 1850's and 1860'. Later, Miss Hazel Keyes performed the notable stunt of sliding down a cable from the very top of Mt. Bonnell to the lake shore below in 1898.

The property was formally donated to the City of Austin by F. M. Covert, posthumously by his kin, in 1939.

Open from 5 am til 10 pm daily. Free.