Val Mingèr

By PostBus or on foot, we reach Pradatsch, the starting point of this route at the intake of the Clemgia stream. We cross the channel and climb over some steps into a magnificent forest of tall pines and larches, where tits and nuthatches are frequently observed. After just a few hundred meters, we come to a small meadow, which is grazed like a golf green due to intensive use by wild ungulates. At the western edge of this meadow lie the ruins of an old stable building, often used as shelter by adders. Our path continues through drier terrain.

Through the trees, we catch a glimpse of the Val Foraz, which is inaccessible to visitors. In favorable lighting, the striking rock formations on the ridge between Val Mingèr and Val Foraz reveal the mighty head of a witch and the neck and head of a bird. In folk tradition, this rock, riddled with caves and notches, is called Witch's Head or Cheu da la stria. The rock formation consists of post-glacial scree shaped by erosion.
Soon we cross the stream twice, which carries little water especially in late summer months. Using optical instruments, we scan the southeastern slopes of Piz Mingèr for red deer and chamois. The path crosses the black remains of charcoal piles several times, relics from the time when the park's forests were intensively used as energy sources.

We cross the streambed twice again. Ahead, we see the distinctive pyramid of Piz Plavna Dadaint, which rises above the gentle crescent of Sur il Foss. Slowly, the dense forest remains behind us. Our path now winds through loose larch groves. At the Mingèr rest area at 2168 m, we take a break and enjoy the panoramic view: Piz Mingèr and its forelands to the northwest, Piz Foraz to the south, Piz Plavna Dadaint to the west. The huge talus slopes indicate dolomitic rock that continuously crumbles and slides downhill; even the rest area was partly covered by a mudslide several years ago. If we reach the rest area early enough, we can observe red deer slowly seeking shelter from the hot midday sun. Chamois are almost always visible, while the ibex is absent from this valley. To avoid disturbing the ungulates unnecessarily, visitors are asked not to leave the rest area towards Sur il Foss before 7:00 a.m.

After the ample break, we now hike west towards Sur il Foss. South of the path, we discover some particularly sturdy larches that form the tree line here. On the gently sloping path, we reach the small pass. The view is splendid towards the Sesvenna-Lischana group with its many peaks and spires, and down into the elongated Val Plavna with its impressive alluvial fan of national significance.

At Sur il Foss, we have to decide whether to retrace the same path, descend via Val Plavna outside the National Park to Tarasp, or choose the steep ascent to Fuorcla Val dal Botsch and then over to the Ofen Pass area.