Do you ever get tired of running the shores of Town Lake with scores of other joggers?  Are the streets of South Austin getting to be a little too mundane to keep your routine?  Is the workout room in your local gym starting to look just a little too familiar?

Well, if you can break out of your daily ritual, there’s a place in Austin where you can take in one of the most beautiful views in all of Hill Country and still get in your daily run…Mount Bonnell.  The 106 steps are quite steep, but the climb is far more rewarding than a StairMaster, and when you finally reach the top, the view of the city will take away whatever breath you have left.  In fact, whether it’s for jogging or just a leisurely hike, Mount Bonnell has plenty of captivating amenities to offer.

Overlooking Lake Austin, Mount Bonnell stands at an elevation of 780 feet above sea level, nearly 200 feet higher than the surrounding area, and the highest point in the Austin city limits.  The peak has plenty of history that adds to its allure, in fact, in the early 1830’s the summit is rumored to have acquired the nickname, “Antonette’s Leap.”  As the legend goes, Antonette was a woman who jumped to her death to escape Indians who had earlier murdered her fiancé.  Another account tells of Golden Nell and her husband Beau who leaped from the peak to avoid torture. 

Today the peak is named in honor of George W. Bonnell, an author and publisher of “The Texas Sentinel” newspaper, who came to from New York to Texas in 1836, “when he heard of a war for independence,” according to a plaque commemorating the peaks’ namesake.  Bonnell was also Sam Houston’s Commissioner on Indian Affairs.  In keeping with the legendary theme, it is said that if a couple climbs the 100-plus stairs to the top of Mount Bonnell once they will fall in love, twice they will become engaged, and after three times they will get married.

The true prize, however, to anyone brave enough to make the ascent is the granddaddy of all Central Texas views, with Lake Austin below, and the Austin city skyline upon the horizon.  According to Bonnell-frequenter Shannon Bartch, 28, “the view of the sunsets in the summer to the South are really spiritual for me.”

Keeping with that theme, Expanding Paradigms, offers yoga every month at Mount Bonnell.  Each month on or near the full moon, you can bend, stretch, breathe and meditate under the rising moon, atop the summit and removed from the downtown nighttime skyline, both of which illuminate the experience from afar.  Children and pets are also welcome to take part.

There are, indeed, numerous ways to take in this hallowed Austin attraction.  The summit has plenty of picnic tables and sitting areas where you can take in the panoramic view.  For those who prefer a lighter hike, there is a less demanding, but still quite scenic walk at the north end of Mt. Bonnell.

The peak isn’t just for romantic trysts and those looking for a view, however, and the climb shouldn’t be taken lightly.  The staircase is quite steep and you are advised to take water with you on warmer days.  And for those of you looking for a good dose of healthy living, Mount Bonnell has plenty of admirers. “I like to come here about once a month,” says Curtis Reed, 31 of Pflugerville.  “It’s a bit out of the way for me and on the weekend it can get a little touristy, but it’s an excellent workout and this view can never get old.”

The trails are open to the public every day from 5AM until 10PM and admission is free.