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Mount Bonnell in Austin, Texas is a good way to work up a sweat on a hot summer day, and
you don't even have to try very hard. When you reach the base of the hill, the first
thing you'll notice are the steps. There's one hundred of them, and this is the only
way to reach the top. The steps were installed in 1939 when the area was dedicated as a city
park and were made of native Texas lime stone. They're pretty steep so you may need to hold
on to that rail. Once you make it to the top, you are rewarded with this amazing view. You
can relax here on the terrace before you take the plunge for more hiking. There aren't a
lot of trails on the hill, but you'll find several around the park. This path has exposed
rocks that act as steps but watch your footing. They aren't secured. There's a lot of native
vegetation on Mount Bonnell. Cactus is plentiful here but so are the wild flowers during the
spring and summer. Watch out, you may run into a few local critters here as well. Snakes
like to hide in the brush and those huge firehands might be running the trail with you. So, be
careful. You won't find long and winding trails here, but you will get some of the best views
in town.