Dog-Friendly Views in Austin, TX

    

Austin may be known for its live music & bar scene, but there is so much more to this outdoorsy city, especially for those who consider their pets before going, well, anywhere! We're sharing two of our favorite dog-friendly hikes just outside the city with views people and pets alike can enjoy.

1. Mount Bonnell

Only 10 minutes from downtown Austin and you're hiking to one of the best views of Lake Austin! The 775-foot-high outcrop along the eastern shore of Lake Austin is one of the most-visited historic parks in Austin. If you've been, you know why. If you're planning you'll visit, you'll soon join the throngs that love the limestone overlook for its views and historic value to the area.

Pros: 10 minutes from the city scenic views from & many overlooks plenty of street parking

Cons:  dogs must remain on leash a lot of stairs from parking always popular, but packed at sunset windy, windy, windy!

There are a combo of trails to choose from; stick to the wide main path and you'll only have to deal with crowds wanting the same photo from any the overlooks or veer off the main path and battle some branches for a more solitary feel.

We snapped two photos of Harvey from different areas of Mt. Bonnell, and you can't even tell they were taken at the same place.

Know what the locals know: Mount Bonnell is also called Covert Park.

Get Directions to Mount Bonnell

2. Pennybacker Bridge Overlook

Also called the Austin 360 Bridge, The  Pennybacker Bridge Overlook was our first destination with Harvey the weekend we brought him home from the Bastrop County Animal Shelter - he was even still wearing his cone of shame! You'll have to slog up a few steep inclines with loose gravel to battle for primo photo real estate at the top, and you better be brave to venture at sunset because the short "climb" down would be tough when it's dark.

Our Suggestions: Visit mid-afternoon, on a weekday if you can manage it. Don't worry about a tripod to get your perfect shot, a friendly neighbor will likely offer to capture the moment for you. Yes, go through the cut open fence and to the smaller trails. The views continue further down the path.

Cons:  is that the smell of weed on the air...? The trail can be sandy and slick, both going up and coming back down Parking can fill up and you're on busy Loop 360

Get Directions to the Pennybacker Overlook

Check out updated trail conditions to you plan your trip