Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park, is one of the highest points in Austin at 784 feet. Located alongside the Colorado River, it offers iconic panoramic views of Lake Austin, the surrounding Hill Country, and the city skyline. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was last updated in April 2026.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Daily 5:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Free entry |
| Address | 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd, Austin, Texas 78731 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free street parking along Mount Bonnell Road |
| Typical time needed to visit | 30 to 45 minutes |
Mount Bonnell opening hours
Mount Bonnell is open to the public daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. As a City of Austin park, these hours remain consistent year-round, making it a popular destination for both sunrise and sunset viewing.
The park is generally open on holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, though it may occasionally be closed by the Parks and Recreation Department during extreme weather events or for maintenance.
5 great Austin experiences to book
- 🛶 Join a sunset kayaking tour – and see 1.5 million bats.
- 🍖 Get ready to feast with the country BBQ and wine country shuttle.
- 🌮 Take a best-of-Austin food tour – tasting great BBQ brisket and tacos on the way.
- 🍸 Discover Austin’s secret bars on speakeasies tour.
- 🏙️ Learn Austin’s fascinating history on a downtown walking tour.
Mount Bonnell ticket prices
There is no entrance fee for Mount Bonnell. Access to the park, the viewing pavilion, and the trails is completely free for all visitors.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official City of Austin website and last updated in April 2026. Unlike many state parks in the region, Mount Bonnell does not require advance reservations or the Texas State Park Pass. It is not included in any multi-attraction city pass schemes, as it remains a free public space.
How to get to Mount Bonnell
To get to Mount Bonnell, visitors must travel to the West Austin neighbourhood near Lake Austin. There is no direct Capital Metro bus route that stops at the park entrance; the nearest bus stops are over a mile away on Exposition Blvd, requiring a significant uphill walk.
Driving is the most practical option. From Mopac (Loop 1), take the 35th Street exit and head west. Follow 35th Street as it turns into Reservoir Road, then turn right onto Mount Bonnell Road. The park entrance is marked by a prominent stone monument on the left side of the road.
Why book the Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour?
- 📸 Unobstructed Upper-Deck Views: Capture the perfect “postcard” shots of the city from the open-top deck, offering the best vantage points in Austin for photography and sightseeing.
- 🎙️ Live Storytelling (No Recordings): Enjoy a fully narrated experience with professional local guides who share engaging stories, humor, and insider history—completely live with no pre-recorded audio.
- 🏛️ Iconic Downtown Landmarks: See Austin’s most famous sites in a single loop, including the historic Driskill Hotel, 6th Street, the Texas State Capitol, and the Governor’s Mansion.
- ❄️ Climate-Controlled Comfort: Choose your preferred experience with the option to sit in the open-air breeze on top or relax in the air-conditioned lower deck to beat the Texas heat.
- 🎓 Comprehensive City Overview: Perfect for first-time visitors, this 75-90 minute loop provides an excellent introduction to the city’s layout, culture, and rich history without the stress of navigating traffic.
Parking at Mount Bonnell
There is free street parking at Mount Bonnell located in designated pull-off areas directly alongside Mount Bonnell Road. These spaces are positioned near the base of the main staircase and the southern trailhead.
During peak times, particularly on weekend evenings during sunset, these spaces fill up rapidly. Visitors are advised to secure their vehicles and remove all valuables from sight, as the area is a high-traffic tourist spot.
How long to spend at Mount Bonnell
A typical visit to Mount Bonnell takes between 30 and 45 minutes. The “hike” to the summit is very short, taking only 5 to 10 minutes to reach the top from the car.
Most visitors spend the majority of their time at the summit pavilion or at various rocky outcrops along the ridge to take photographs and enjoy the view. If you plan to walk the full length of the gravel ridge trail, you may wish to allow a full hour.
Accessibility at Mount Bonnell
Accessibility at Mount Bonnell is limited due to the natural terrain and historic infrastructure. The primary route to the summit involves a steep climb of 102 limestone stairs, which is not accessible for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility impairments.
However, there is an alternative gravel path located at the southern end of the parking area. While this path is a gentler slope and avoids the stairs, it is still composed of uneven terrain and loose rock, which can be difficult for standard wheelchairs and strollers. The summit itself is not fully paved.
Inside / what to see at Mount Bonnell
At Mount Bonnell, the main attraction is the summit viewing area. Upon reaching the top of the 102 stairs, visitors are greeted by a historic stone pavilion that provides shade and a central vantage point. From here, you can see the wide expanse of Lake Austin (a dammed section of the Colorado River) and the impressive mansions lining the waterfront below.
Further north along the ridge, the trail offers a clear view of the Pennybacker Bridge (also known as the 360 Bridge). To the east, the trail provides a distant but clear view of the University of Texas Tower and the downtown Austin skyline.
The park is part of the 5-acre Covert Park, which features native Texas vegetation including mountain laurel, juniper, and live oaks. Interpretive plaques at the summit detail the history of the site and its donation to the city in 1939.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Visitor Advice |
| Timing | Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to secure a parking spot and a good viewing position on the rocks. |
| Crowds | Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience, as the stairs and summit can become very crowded on weekend afternoons. |
| Layout | Use the stairs to go up and the gentler gravel path to come down for a full loop of the ridge. |
| Entry process | Simply walk up from the street; there is no gate, visitor centre, or check-in process. |
| On-site logistics | Bring your own water and use the restroom before arriving, as there are no water fountains or public restrooms at the park. |
Frequently asked questions about Mount Bonnell
| Question | Answer |
| Is Mount Bonnell suitable for children? | Yes, though children must be closely supervised near the cliff edges, which have limited fencing. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Mount Bonnell? | No, the park is free and open to the public without reservations. |
| Is Mount Bonnell open on Sundays? | Yes, the park is open on Sundays from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. |
| Are dogs allowed at Mount Bonnell? | Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. |
Things to do near Mount Bonnell
- Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve: A historic cottage and park famous for its free-roaming peacocks and water lily ponds, located just two minutes away.
- Laguna Gloria (The Contemporary Austin): An outdoor sculpture park and art museum situated on a historic Mediterranean-style estate.
- Bright Leaf Preserve: A 200-acre nature preserve offering guided hikes through un-spoiled Hill Country terrain.
- Pennybacker Bridge (360 Bridge): A scenic overlook and popular photo spot located a 10-minute drive northwest along Loop 360.
- Hula Hut: A popular lakeside restaurant on Lake Austin featuring a blend of Polynesian and Mexican cuisine, located nearby at Oyster Landing.
More Texas travel
Other Texas travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
- What to know before visiting the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin.
- What are the best stops on the Fort Worth to Austin drive or Dallas to Austin drive?
- Practical visitor guide to the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas.
- The best three stops on the Austin to Galveston drive and the Dallas to Galveston drive.
