Alder Trail is a short and sweet loop through the forest in Bragg Creek Provincial Park. It has a small amount of elevation and includes interpretive signage that tells you about the history of the area as well as the flora and fauna that live here today.
Alder Trail takes around 30 minutes to complete and is a kid-friendly and dog friendly trail. You can hike Alder Trail on its own, or add the Banded Peak Connector route that leads to a bench and lookout at the top of the hill. This addition takes a total of about 1 hour.
Alder Trail Summary
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance:Â 1.6 km round trip
- Elevation:Â 76 metres
- Trail type:Â Loop
- Time:Â 30 to 45 minutes
- Trailhead: Alder Trail Parking Lot or Bragg Creek Provincial Park lot
There are two starting points for this trail depending on where you park. If you prefer not to cross the road, park in the Alder Trail parking lot, which will be on your left side of Highway 758 if you’re coming from Bragg Creek. It’s just past the Bragg Creek Provincial Park main lot, which will be on your right-hand side.
Detailed Trail Summary
The hike around Alder Trail is peaceful and easy. The trail is well marked, with interpretive signage available along the way to learn more about the area. From the parking lot, follow the main trail to the loop. At the first junction, we followed the trail left to go in a clockwise direction. We hiked Alder Trail in late October, in conjunction with Banded Peak Connector.
We were amazed by the trees in this area. Both the aspen and evergreen trees stretched so high we had to crane our necks to see the tops.
This route begins quite flat, but begins to climb a small, gradual hill just before the junction with Banded Peak. This fork in the path is clearly signed. To continue on Alder Trail, take the path on the right and follow the orange diamond trail markers.
The trail begins to level off as you round the corner of the loop, before beginning the gradual descent back down towards the parking lot. You’ll reach a third junction which includes the route back to the Bragg Creek Provincial Park parking lot across the highway. If you parked here, this is your trail back.
If you parked at the other lot, stay right at the junction and take your next left for the short trail back to the Alder Trail parking lot. The trail takes about 30 minutes, but account for extra time if you’re hiking with kids.
I always enjoy stopping in Bragg Creek after a hike in the area for a coffee or tea and a sweet treat. Cinnamon Spoon and the Bragg Creek Bakery are both great options! There is also ice cream available during warmer months.
