We visited Austin’s Mount Bonnell to take in the sights. Mount Bonnell is one of Austin’s oldest tourist attractions (dating back to 1850) and is the highest point within Austin city limits (785 feet). It is named after George W. Bonnell who came to Texas with others to fight for Texas Independence, was commissioner of Indian affairs in Republic of Texas under president Sam Houston and later became publisher of the Texas Sentinel.
Mount Bonnell is a natural limestone formation that rises 775 feet above sea level. To access you climb approx 99 steps (though some say 102—we lost count). It was a gorgeous view that was well worth the hike. We went around 5PM and had no problem climbing the stairs with the children. There are several stone tables at the top which would have been a nice spot for a picnic lunch or snack. There is also gate around the edge so it’s completely safe—-I admit I was worried about what would happen once we got to the top. There is a legend that this was once called Antoinette’s Leap after a woman who leapt to her death after being distressed that the Indians had killed her lover. This is not a legend that we shared with the children however.
