Nature buffs may want to take a closer look at the hillside itself, which is dotted with sprawling oak trees, persimmon, Ashe juniper and mountain laurel whose blue springtime flowers smell like grape Kool-Aid.
The hillside is also home to the bracted twistflower, a rare plant also with a blue flower that may soon be listed as an endangered species. Because the hill supports one of the few remaining populations of this plant, exploration beyond designated trails is strongly discouraged to protect the twistflower. As for wildlife, there are always a few spiny lizards scurrying around, and you might spot an armadillo.
Several mansions along Lake Austin can be seen from Mount Bonnell. The hill can get a little crowded around sunset, but you can stick around after dark for stargazing. Just note that the park officially closes at 10 p. The skyline and nearby radio towers offer a view dotted with an array of steady lights and flashing beacons.
The site is named after George W. Bonnell, who first visited the site in and wrote about it in a journal entry. Bonnell was the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Republic of Texas, and he later became the publisher of the Texas Sentinel newspaper. The top of Mount Bonnell is actually called Covert Park much of the land was donated by Frank Covert in , but few locals refer to it by that name.
The stone monument commemorating Covert's donation remained in place in the viewing area until when it broke into pieces for unknown reasons. Community leaders raised money to have the rough-hewn stone monument restored, and their efforts earned an award from Preservation Texas in Another donation in by the Barrow family allowed the park to be expanded. While there are no large carnivores around these days, frontiersman Bigfoot Wallace described Mount Bonnell in the s as one of the best places to hunt bear in the country.
Legend has it that Wallace lived in a cave near the hill while he recovered from a serious illness. In fact, he stayed away so long that his bride-to-be thought he was dead and married someone else. However, the exact location of the cave has been lost to history.
Caves are common throughout the Austin area. The hill was also used intermittently by Native Americans as a lookout point. A trail along the base of the hill was once a popular route for Native Americans going to and from Austin. The well-traveled route also became the site of numerous battles between white settlers and native tribes.
Mayfield Park. On the way to or from Mount Bonnell, consider making a stop at Mayfield Park. A verdant acre oasis in the heart of the city, the property was originally a weekend retreat for the Mayfield family. The cottages, gardens and surrounding land were turned into a park in the s. A family of peacocks has called the site home since the s, and descendants of those original peacocks still roam freely throughout the park.
A curious tower-like building made of stone was once a home for pigeons. Decorative stone arches also dot the property along with 30 gardens throughout the park that are maintained by volunteers. The workers follow broad guidelines provided by park staff but also add their own touches to each of the garden plots, which means they're always changing and will include a mix of native plants and exotic species.
Texas Military Forces Museum. Located on the grounds of Camp Mabry, the Texas Military Forces Museum traces the history of both early volunteer militias in Texas and the professional military forces going back to What is now a popular destination for tourists, photographers, couples and families was once a wilder, more rural part of Austin.
Though Austinites love to climb to the top for a quick photo, what do most of us know about this iconic natural formation? Old photograph from the Walter E. Historical records show the first recorded thoughts about Mount Bonnell were written by soldier George W. Bonnell, who climbed to the top and wrote about his ecological findings. The family is posing on a tree leaning off of a cliff. The Colorado River is visible in the background.
Later, Texas Ranger William A. In , when race relations were ugly, he was celebrated for killing a Native American on a limestone ledge 50 feet above the water. He returned to the hill when he became sick with what was most likely cholera, and proceeded to live in a cave while recovering. The structure was lost in a flood, so the settlement moved on. According to a story published in J. Mount Bonnell also became the site of celebrations.
In , a woman named Miss Hazel Keyes, along with her pet monkey called Miss Jennie Yan Yan, completed a stunt where they rode a cable from the summit of Mount Bonnell down to the water! Covert, Sr. The Contemporary Austin — Jones Center.
Swing Dance at The Fed. I love you so much S. Congress Ave. Here are some of the best things to do in Austin this weekend. DAY 1. Allens Boots. Courtesy Contiki. Credit Richard Casteel. Texas State Capitol. LBJ Presidential Library. The Mohawk. Barton Springs Pool. Craft Pride on Rainey Street. After passing a neighborhood W Courtyard Dr and just before the huge bridge, you will see parking on the side of the road alongside a cliff to your right.
Park there even though it says no parking. Is Mount Bonnell Free? The trail is free to access and even offers free parking. Find more cheap and free things to do in Austin. Unfortunately not.
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