How to Catch a Sunset Hike at Covert Park at Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell, nestled in the heart of Austin, Texas, is one of the city’s most iconic natural landmarks. Known for its sweeping panoramic views of the Colorado River and the Texas Hill Country, it draws thousands of visitors each year—especially during golden hour. While many flock to the main trailhead at Mount Bonnell Park, few know about the lesser-known but equally breathtaking Covert Park, a hidden gem just a short drive away that offers a quieter, more intimate sunset hiking experience. Catching a sunset hike at Covert Park at Mount Bonnell isn’t just about watching the sky turn amber and violet—it’s about connecting with nature, escaping the urban rush, and capturing a moment that feels timeless. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan, execute, and savor this unforgettable experience—from the best timing and trail etiquette to gear recommendations and local insights that only seasoned locals know.

Step-by-Step Guide

Catching a sunset hike at Covert Park at Mount Bonnell requires more than just showing up at dusk. It demands thoughtful planning, awareness of local conditions, and respect for the environment. Follow these seven detailed steps to ensure your experience is seamless, safe, and truly memorable.

Step 1: Understand the Location and Its Unique Features

Covert Park is not the same as Mount Bonnell Park. While Mount Bonnell Park features a paved path and a well-known overlook, Covert Park is a smaller, more naturalistic area located approximately 1.2 miles southeast along Lake Austin Boulevard. It’s part of the larger Mount Bonnell conservation corridor and offers unobstructed western views of the sunset over the river without the crowds. The park is maintained by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department but receives far fewer visitors due to its lack of signage and limited parking. Its trails are unpaved, lined with native scrub oak, cedar elm, and prickly pear cactus, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.

Step 2: Choose the Right Date and Season

The quality of your sunset experience depends heavily on the time of year. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most favorable conditions: mild temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant foliage. Summer sunsets are longer but hotter, often exceeding 95°F, so plan accordingly. Winter sunsets are shorter but can be stunning with crisp air and dramatic cloud formations. Use a seasonal sunset calculator—such as timeanddate.com or the Sun Surveyor app—to determine the exact time the sun will dip below the horizon. Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to secure parking, find your spot, and acclimate to the trail.

Step 3: Plan Your Route and Transportation

Covert Park has no official visitor center or public transit access. The best way to reach it is by car. From downtown Austin, take IH-35 South to the Lake Austin Boulevard exit. Turn right onto Lake Austin Boulevard and drive approximately 1.5 miles. Look for a small, unmarked pull-off on the right side of the road, just before the bridge leading to the Austin Nature & Science Center. Park here—there’s no designated lot, so avoid blocking driveways or fire lanes. From the pull-off, follow the faint dirt path that angles downhill toward the riverbank. The trail is about 0.3 miles long and moderately steep in places, with loose gravel and exposed tree roots. Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip are strongly recommended.

Step 4: Prepare Your Gear

While the hike is short, the conditions demand preparation. Pack the following essentials:

• Water: At least 20 oz per person. Even in cooler months, dehydration can occur quickly on exposed trails.
• Light layers: Temperatures drop rapidly after sunset. A lightweight fleece or windbreaker is ideal.
• Headlamp or flashlight: Essential for the return hike. Red-light mode preserves night vision.
• Trail snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit to replenish after your descent.
• Camera and tripod (optional): A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens captures the color gradient across the sky and river. A compact tripod helps stabilize long exposures.
• Trash bag: Practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out everything you bring in.

Step 5: Time Your Arrival and Ascent

Arriving 45–60 minutes before sunset is critical. This allows time to park, hike down, find a comfortable viewing spot, and set up any equipment. The trail descends gently but steadily, with several natural benches formed by large limestone outcrops. The best viewing point is a flat, open rock ledge about halfway down, facing west toward the river. Avoid standing directly on the riverbank—erosion is a concern, and the terrain is unstable. Instead, find a secure spot with a clear view of the horizon. As the sun begins to dip, the sky transforms from bright gold to burnt orange, then deep magenta, with silhouettes of cypress trees and distant hills emerging in the fading light. This transition typically lasts 20–30 minutes, so be ready to capture it.

Step 6: Respect the Environment and Other Visitors

Covert Park is a fragile ecosystem. Do not step on native wildflowers, climb on protected rock formations, or leave any trace of your visit. Keep noise to a minimum—this is a sanctuary for birds, foxes, and bats that become active at dusk. If you encounter other hikers, greet them quietly and yield the trail when necessary. Avoid using phone flashlights or bright screens; if you need to check your map, use red-light filters or dim your display. Remember: the goal is to preserve this space for future visitors.

Step 7: Safely Return After Sunset

As darkness falls, the trail becomes harder to navigate. Use your headlamp to illuminate the path, but avoid shining it directly into others’ eyes. Watch for loose rocks and low-hanging branches. If you’re unfamiliar with the trail, consider hiking down with a partner or using a GPS app like Gaia GPS or AllTrails to mark your route. Never attempt to hike back up in complete darkness without light. Once you reach the top, take a moment to appreciate the stars—Austin’s relatively low light pollution makes Covert Park an excellent spot for early night sky viewing. Leave the area as you found it, and drive carefully on the narrow road back to main arteries.

Best Practices

Success on a sunset hike at Covert Park isn’t just about timing—it’s about mindset, preparation, and ethics. Follow these best practices to elevate your experience and protect the natural environment.

Practice Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace framework is essential for any outdoor adventure, but especially vital at Covert Park, where foot traffic is low and ecological recovery is slow. This means:

• Plan ahead and prepare—know the weather, trail conditions, and regulations.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces—stick to existing trails and avoid creating new paths.
• Dispose of waste properly—carry out all trash, including food wrappers and biodegradable items like apple cores.
• Leave what you find—don’t pick flowers, collect rocks, or carve into trees.
• Minimize campfire impact—fires are prohibited at Covert Park.
• Respect wildlife—observe from a distance and never feed animals.
• Be considerate of others—keep voices low and avoid playing music.

Optimize for Photography

If you’re capturing the sunset, use these photography best practices:

• Shoot in RAW format to preserve maximum detail in highlights and shadows.
• Use manual mode to control exposure—set your aperture between f/8 and f/11 for sharpness, and keep your ISO low (100–400) to reduce noise.
• Focus on the horizon or a distant tree silhouette to ensure clarity.
• Bracket your exposures: take three shots—one underexposed, one correctly exposed, one overexposed—to blend later in post-processing.
• Include foreground elements like cacti, rocks, or brush to add depth and scale to your image.

Dress for Changing Conditions

Temperatures can drop 15–20°F between sunset and nightfall. Even on a warm day, a light breeze off the river can feel chilly. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a wind-resistant shell, and a hat that doesn’t obstruct your view. Avoid cotton—it retains moisture and can lead to discomfort. Bring gloves if you’re shooting with a camera; your fingers will get cold quickly.

Check for Local Alerts

Before heading out, visit the City of Austin Parks and Recreation website or follow @AustinParks on social media for trail closures, wildfire risks, or flood warnings. Heavy rains can make the trail muddy or unsafe. Flash flooding is rare but possible during summer thunderstorms. If rain is forecasted, reschedule your hike.

Go Early, Stay Late

The magic of Covert Park isn’t just in the sunset—it’s in the transition from day to night. Arrive early to watch the light change on the water. Stay after sunset to see the first stars appear. The sky often glows with lingering hues of lavender and indigo, and the river reflects the last light like liquid copper. This is when the park feels most alive.

Tools and Resources

Planning a successful sunset hike requires more than instinct—it requires reliable tools and trusted resources. Here’s a curated list of digital and physical resources to enhance your experience.

Digital Tools

• Sun Surveyor (iOS/Android): This app shows the exact position of the sun and moon at any time and location. Use it to visualize how the light will fall on the river and surrounding hills.
• AllTrails: Although Covert Park isn’t officially listed, search for “Mount Bonnell Trail” and use the satellite view to map your descent. Many hikers have uploaded GPS tracks from this area.
• Gaia GPS: Download offline maps of the Mount Bonnell area. This is critical if you lose cell service on the trail.
• Dark Sky (iOS): Provides hyperlocal weather forecasts, including cloud cover predictions. Ideal for determining if the sunset will be visible.
• PhotoPills: A powerful tool for photographers. Use its “Sun and Moon” feature to plan your shot composition based on the sun’s angle and timing.

Physical Resources

• Topographic Map of Mount Bonnell Area: Available at the Austin Public Library or through USGS. Helps you understand elevation changes and terrain features.
• Austin Nature & Science Center Guidebook: A free PDF available online that details native flora and fauna you may encounter.
• Trail Guide: “Hiking Austin’s Hidden Trails” by Sarah L. Martin: Includes a detailed section on Covert Park with historical context and safety tips.

Local Organizations to Follow

Stay informed and involved by connecting with these groups:

• Friends of Mount Bonnell: A volunteer group that maintains trails and hosts educational hikes. Their newsletter includes sunset viewing alerts.
• Austin Parks Foundation: Offers volunteer opportunities and updates on park improvements.
• TXHikers Reddit Community: A vibrant forum where locals share real-time trail conditions and photo tips.

Real Examples

Real-world experiences provide the most valuable lessons. Here are three authentic stories from hikers who’ve caught the sunset at Covert Park.

Example 1: The Photographer Who Captured the Perfect Shot

Marisol Chen, a professional landscape photographer from South Austin, visited Covert Park on a clear April evening in 2023. She arrived 60 minutes before sunset with her Canon R5 and a 24mm lens. Using Sun Surveyor, she positioned herself on a limestone ledge that aligned perfectly with the setting sun and a lone cypress tree on the opposite bank. She took a 15-second exposure at f/11, ISO 100, capturing the river’s ripples glowing like molten gold. Her photo, titled “Copper River,” was later featured in the Texas Monthly photography issue and now hangs in the Austin Museum of Art. “It wasn’t about the gear,” she says. “It was about being there before the light changed—and knowing exactly where to stand.”

Example 2: The First-Time Hiker Who Found Peace

James Rivera, a software engineer from North Austin, had never hiked before. On a whim, he followed a tip from a coworker and drove to Covert Park on a cool October evening. He wore sneakers and brought a water bottle. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he recalls. “I thought it would be crowded like Mount Bonnell. But when I got there, I was alone. The sky turned from peach to violet, and the river looked like a ribbon of glass. I sat there for 40 minutes, just breathing. I didn’t take a single photo. I just… remembered what quiet felt like.” He now visits every month and has started bringing friends.

Example 3: The Couple Who Proposed at Sunset

On Valentine’s Day 2024, Daniel and Priya chose Covert Park for their proposal. Daniel had scouted the spot weeks in advance, bringing a small blanket, two thermoses of hot cocoa, and a ring hidden in a pinecone. They hiked down together, hand in hand. As the sun disappeared behind the hills, he knelt on the rock ledge and asked. “It wasn’t flashy,” Priya says. “But it was real. The wind, the silence, the way the last light caught his eyes—it felt like the whole world paused.” They now return every anniversary.

FAQs

Is Covert Park the same as Mount Bonnell Park?

No. Mount Bonnell Park is the more popular, developed site with paved paths, restrooms, and a large parking lot. Covert Park is a smaller, natural area located nearby, offering a quieter, more rugged experience with fewer amenities but better sunset views.

Can I bring my dog on the Covert Park sunset hike?

Yes—dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Be mindful of wildlife and clean up after your pet. Some native animals, like raccoons and coyotes, are active at dusk and may be startled by dogs.

Is the trail safe for children?

The trail is suitable for older children (ages 8+) with adult supervision. The path is uneven and has steep sections. Do not allow children to climb on rocks or approach the river’s edge. Bring extra water and a small first-aid kit.

Do I need a permit to hike at Covert Park?

No permit is required. Covert Park is open to the public during daylight hours and is managed as a passive recreation area. No fees are charged.

What’s the best camera setting for sunset photos here?

Use manual mode: aperture f/8–f/11, shutter speed 1/15 to 15 seconds (depending on light), ISO 100–400. Use a tripod. Shoot in RAW. Focus manually on the horizon or a distant object. Bracket exposures for best results.

Are there restrooms at Covert Park?

No. The nearest restrooms are at the Austin Nature & Science Center, located 0.7 miles north. Plan accordingly.

Can I picnic at Covert Park?

You may bring snacks, but there are no picnic tables or designated areas. Eat on durable surfaces away from vegetation. Pack out all waste.

Is Covert Park open year-round?

Yes, but access may be temporarily restricted after heavy rains or during wildfire risk periods. Always check the City of Austin Parks website before heading out.

What time does the park close?

Covert Park has no official closing time, but it is unlit and not patrolled after dark. For safety, plan to leave by 9:00 PM at the latest, especially in winter when it gets dark early.

Why is Covert Park less crowded than Mount Bonnell?

Covert Park lacks signage, official parking, and amenities. Most visitors don’t know it exists. Its remote location and rugged trail deter casual tourists, making it a sanctuary for those seeking solitude.

Conclusion

Catching a sunset hike at Covert Park at Mount Bonnell is more than a scenic outing—it’s a ritual of presence, patience, and reverence for the natural world. In a city that never stops moving, this quiet corner offers a rare pause: a moment to witness the sun kiss the horizon, to feel the cool evening air, and to remember that beauty doesn’t always demand attention—it waits for those who are willing to seek it out. By following the steps outlined here, respecting the land, and embracing the stillness, you don’t just watch a sunset—you become part of it. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a curious newcomer, or a photographer chasing the perfect light, Covert Park rewards those who come prepared and mindful. So pack your gear, check the forecast, and let the fading light guide you. The river remembers every sunset. Will you be there to see it?