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Banded Peak Connector Bench
Bragg Creek Provincial Park, Alberta
October 4, 2022
Distance: 6.6 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 165 m
It's probably easier to explain what Banded Peak Connector Bench isn't rather than what it is. It's not connected to Banded Peak 35 km away, and the trail runs over a low ridge, not a bench. It connects to Banded Peak School, although the peak can't be seen from the school. But despite the long, nonsensical name, Banded Peak Connector Bench is a pleasant hike, practically a nature walk.
To maximize our effort, Dinah and I hiked the entire trail, out and back, which meant going over the ridge twice. But rising less than 100 m above the trailhead and the school, it's not an impressive feat. We also parked at the farthest parking lot which added nearly 500 m each way.
We followed the trail as it crosses the road and comes to Alder Loop, an interpretive trail. We continued past the end of the loop and climbed the small ridge. The trail continues over the ridge, but we took a short path to the summit. Trees limit views, and although we could see Moose Mountain, it was too far away to appreciate. We turned around and continued down the trail, down to Banded Peak School.
The hike to the school adds little interest. There are interpretive signs, and the trail loops around so we got to see trees we hadn't seen before. Also on the way back, we took the other half of Alder Loop, so we could view more trees. But I shouldn't scoff as we enjoyed the short hike. We picked a fall day when the trees were turning yellow when Banded Peak Connector Bench probably looks its best.
The trailhead
Dinah stops to read an interpretive sign
After reaching the end of Alder Loop, we continued ahead
Some big trees have been blown down
Fallen trees obstructed the trail
Dinah crawls through downed trees
We passed a huge burl
The trail begins a gentle climb up the ridge
Dinah stands by the summit bench
Moose Mountain lies far in the distance
We continued down the trail toward Banded Peak School
The trail exits Bragg Creek Provincial Park with some warnings (mouse over)
Interpretive signs appear along the trail
The trail passes a fen by the school
After the trail begins looping back, it passes a pond. Perhaps it looks better in the spring when its full!
We followed the other half of Alder Loop back
82 J/15 Bragg Creek