Photo: Mount Bonnell
Photo: Michael Davis
Photo: Razi Asaduddin
Mount Bonnell
★4.8(1,472 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Preschoolers can typically manage the stairs with encouragement and hand-holding, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the challenge of counting steps and racing to the top. Toddlers can be carried in backpack carriers, though strollers won't work on the stone stairway.🧡 Saved by 300+ families
About
Mount Bonnell offers one of Austin's most rewarding short hikes for families, with just 102 stone steps leading to breathtaking 360-degree views of Lake Austin and the Hill Country. This quick climb is perfect for introducing young adventurers to hiking, offering a sense of accomplishment without overwhelming little legs, plus plenty of flat rock areas at the top for picnicking and exploring.
Highlights
- ✓Climbing the famous 102 stone steps to reach the 775-foot summit
- ✓Spectacular panoramic views of Lake Austin, the Colorado River, and downtown Austin skyline
- ✓Flat limestone outcroppings at the top perfect for family photos and picnicking
- ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities including various bird species and occasional deer
- ✓Achievement factor,kids love earning their 'I climbed Mount Bonnell' bragging rights
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (by 7:00 AM) or near sunset to avoid crowds and heat,parking is extremely limited with only about 20 spots that fill quickly on weekends
- 2.Make it a game by having kids count the 102 steps or look for painted rocks hidden along the trail by other visitors
- 3.Bring water and snacks to enjoy at the summit,there are flat limestone areas perfect for sitting and taking in the views
- 4.Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip as the stone steps can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain
- 5.The restroom facilities are minimal (portable toilet at parking area), so plan bathroom breaks before arriving
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (7:00-9:00 AM) or during golden hour before sunset for the most magical views and smallest crowds. Fall through spring offers the most comfortable temperatures, while summer mornings require an early start to beat the Texas heat.
What to Know
Mount Bonnell is free to visit with no entrance fees, but parking is very limited and street parking fills quickly. There are no food vendors or water fountains on-site, so bring everything you'll need for your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but summer visits (June-August) should be scheduled for early morning or evening only due to extreme heat and sun exposure on the exposed rock face. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers along the trail, while fall offers the most comfortable hiking temperatures. The stone steps can be slippery when wet, so use extra caution after rain.
Nearby Eats
Head to Kerbey Lane Cafe (about 10 minutes away) for pancakes and kid-friendly comfort food, or stop by Torchy's Tacos on 360 for quick, casual Tex-Mex that pleases all ages with options from queso to kid-sized tacos.
More Activities Near Round Rock
Adventure
Barton Creek Greenbelt
★4.7Free❤️274
Barton Creek Greenbelt offers families an authentic Texas wilderness experience right in Austin, with over 12 miles of trails winding through limestone cliffs, shaded creek beds, and refreshing natural swimming holes. This outdoor paradise combines easy creek-side strolls for little ones with more challenging rock scrambling and cave exploration for adventurous tweens and teens, making it perfect for families with mixed ages and abilities.
Park
Farm to Market Road 734
Free❤️15
Farm to Market Road 734 offers families in Round Rock a wonderful outdoor escape with plenty of room to run, play, and explore. This community park combines multiple playground areas with sports courts and wide-open green spaces, making it an ideal spot for families with kids of varying ages and energy levels to enjoy active outdoor time together.
Park
Play for All Abilities Park
★4.9Free❤️320
Play for All Abilities Park is a shining example of inclusive design, offering accessible playground equipment and activities for children of all abilities to play together. This expansive Round Rock destination combines traditional park amenities like sports fields and walking trails with standout features including an inclusive playground with adaptive swings, a refreshing splash pad, and plenty of shaded picnic areas perfect for spending an entire day outdoors.
Park
Old Settlers Park
★4.7Free❤️63
Old Settlers Park is a sprawling 645-acre recreational paradise in Round Rock that offers something for every age. With multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, a refreshing splash pad for hot Texas days, wide open fields perfect for running and playing, and well-maintained trails, this highly-rated park is a local favorite for family outings. The historic setting combined with modern amenities makes it an ideal destination for everything from quick playground visits to full-day family adventures.