Austin is known as a city with great outdoor activities if you can endure the hot Texas climate! There are biking, running, and hiking trails as well as numerous other outdoor activities throughout the city. One of the best hiking experiences in the area is Mt Bonnell. Mt Bonnell is a 99 step climb to one of the best views in the country.

the good

• Free entry
• The walk up the steps to the top is a great workout
• Once you arrive at the top there are several places to sit and relax and multiple additional trails
• The view—You can see all the way to downtown Austin in one direction and the 360 bridge and the hill country in the other. There are also views of the mansions that are on the lake.

the bad

• Parking— On busy days it is hard to find good parking
• Crowds—On weekends it is very crowded
• Uneven steps— Some of the steps are uneven so you have to be careful
• The Texas heat— On hot days the climb up the steps can be brutal

the summary

This is when a workout truly has a pain/gain relationship. Those steps hurt but when you get to the top the view makes it all worth it!