Image source: Google Images
This is the view of the northern half of Lake Austin from Mount Bonnell. This scenic tourist attraction is one of the most relaxing and peaceful places in Austin. Mount Bonnell has been a tourist attraction right since the 1850's. I chose Mount Bonnell as my ideal place since it is a great stress buster for all college students in my view. A personal account of one such incidence. After a stressful day at school, after a test, or if i am ever feeling exhausted or tired, riding a bike or driving up to Mount Bonnell and watching the sunset whilst staring at the breathtaking view of the Lake and the hills surrounding the place freshens me up and detoxifies me overall. Star gazing is another great stress buster that could be done at this place.
This ideal location has all kinds of visitors, right from hikers, to campers, to students coming for a tour, to tourists from all over. Often i have even noticed bible studies being held here at this historic landmark. Various activities are going on here all day. This is one of the reasons why Mt. Bonnell is Austins oldest tourist attractions.
Image Source: http://www.austinparks.org/apfweb/park.php?parkId=287
The various groups that come here for discussion , bible studies etc sit at the viewing platform or the pavilion as seen in the picture above and engage in their activities. This pavilion sits at the top of the mountain and offers sweeping views of Downtown Austin and west into the Hillcountry. This famous place also serves as a great picnic spot in the 1850's as well as for some people/students now.
Mount Bonnell is mainly meant for relaxation purposes and most importantly to capture the great moments midst the wonderful, scenic views of mother nature. Other small things i noticed when i went there were similar descriptions of the tranquil environment as i mentioned a couple of lines above. There was also a small group of high school students who made a small bonfire at night whilst they sat around it and ate marshmallows, while having fun talking and playing games.
This environmentally friendly place should most definitely be visited by all students especially college students. If you ever want to take a small break, or even work out this would be the ideal location.
Another interesting thing i noticed was there is a small trail that starts at the stairs and goes right up till the summit of Mount Bonnell midst breathtaking and spectacular view is another factor that draws a lot of people to this location. This hike is not particularly difficult but the initial stairs are a bit of a workout since the initial part of the trail accounts for 190 feet of elevation ground that is encountered. Although this trail here is short to the top, at times may be a little difficult to climb mainly because some of the steps are man made and some are naturally made.
This image shows us the man-made and the natural steps as a part of the trail to the summit.
Another interesting fact i noticed was that different parts of Mount Bonnell offers different views of the different parts of the city of Austin. From the southern point of this mountain one gets the view of the southern part of Lake Austin.
After a few visits, i would recommend everyone to visit Mount Bonnell at-least once and enjoy the breath taking beauty of what nature has to offer us and what this "American Environment" actually is and means to us. This places defines the environment and physically allows us to rejuvenate .
I've been to Mt. Bonnell a few times. It is a great place for picnic and relaxation. It gives a great view of human interaction with the nature in Austin area. After living in Houston for a while, and coming to Austin, Mt. Bonnell is a place that differentiate Austin from other city. The Austin view there also reminds me of my hometown.
ReplyDeleteMount Bonnell seems like a wonderful place to visit, not only does it encompass nature but also people interactions and relationships which is ideally for someone like me the term 'American Environment'. I think its great that they still retain the pavilion and its being utilized like you mentioned, it goes to show that Austin is a town which takes pride in its history. Mt. Bonnell seems like the true definition of nature as it is away from the hustle and bustle of life which can be a distraction and close to the greens, hiking trails and all.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there is a lot of time and money put into the upkeep of this area? Would it dissuade nature enthusiasts to come if there was?
I've visited Mount Bonnell a few times with friends. This was a great view of the city, and it was my first time being able to explore austin. Along with the great view, it is an ideal place for anyone who's interested in photography. Me and a few friends took several pictures with the city in the background, and had a great time playing I-Spy. I've never seen anything like this in Dallas, so it was really a great experience and I would encourage everyone who's new to the city to put Mount Bonnell on there list of things to do in Austin.
ReplyDeleteMount Bonnell is ideal to go to at night in my opinion. If you are feeling adventurous, climb on top of the gazebo for a breathtaking view of the city. The only downside is that a lot of younger people come here to drink and smoke at night.
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