Gravel Tour of the National Park, Stage 1: Scuol – Val Müstair

Difficult

41 km

5:30 h

1552 mhd

1233 mhd

Technique

Fitness

Highest Point 2250 m

Lowest Point 1206 m

Best Season

Jan

Feb

Mär

Apr

Mai

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Okt

Nov

Dez

Details

Description

The striking, wild, and unspoiled natural landscape on the eastern edge of the national park makes a lasting impression right from the start of the tour. The tour connects Scuol, the main town of the Lower Grisons, with the upper Val Müstair via the shortest and arguably most scenic route. Passing through the impressive Val S-charl and by the picturesque mining village dating back to the ore-mining era, the route leads to Europe’s highest Swiss stone pine forest and continues over the Pass da Costainas into Val Müstair. The tour through the Val S-charl and over the Pass da Costainas is characterized by a unique and unspoiled natural and cultural landscape along a mountain stream, through sparse larch, Swiss stone pine, and mountain pine forests, nestled between picturesque alpine pastures and rugged three-thousand-meter peaks. It’s worth taking a break in the hamlets of S-charl and Lü.

Geheimtipp

The Alp Astras and the Alp Champatsch, which offers food and drink, are perfect spots for a refreshing break in the height of summer.

Sicherheitshinweis

At high elevations, snowfields may persist into the summer months.

This tour was assessed under favorable weather conditions; it is essential to check current weather conditions and forecasts before starting the tour. This tour does not require any special riding safety skills or technical riding ability.

Emergency number:

144 Emergency, First Aid

1414 Mountain Rescue REGA

112 International emergency number

Please be considerate when crossing paths with or passing hikers.

Most of Graubünden’s mountain bike trails run along singletrack trails that are also marked as hiking trails. Hikers always have the right of way.

Ausrüstung

Helmet, gloves, sturdy shoes, goggles, rain and sun protection, water bottle, repair kit, first-aid supplies.

Directions

From Scuol (1,250 m), follow the wide roads as they climb steadily for 13 km southward into the rugged side valley toward S-charl (1,810 m). Passing the God da Tamangur Swiss stone pine forest, continue to Alp Astras (2,135 m), where the road narrows into a trail and leads on to Pass da Costainas (2,251 m). From the Pass da Costainas, the descent—steep at first—leads to Alp Champatsch (2,090 m). Finally, follow wide forest roads to the hamlet of Lü (1,920 m) and take a loop along the Val Müstair down into the valley.