Overview
Piz Val Gronda("Peak of the Great Valley")is located in the northern part of the Adula Alps. The surrounding area(Surselva="over the forest")is mostly known as ski resort and in addition,this region is in the "shadow" of the more popular peaks and giant glaciers of Bernina, Walliser-and Berner Alps,so in the summer season is free from any crowd.
The ascent to Piz Val Gronda does not demand any climbing ability,marked hiking trail leads till the summit and it is possible to do the trip in one long day.
Getting There
The best starting point is the village Obersaxen. Nearest town is Ilanz(14km,railway station),in the valley of Vorderrhein,between Chur and Disentis. From Ilanz by car/bus;inObersaxen there is a free bus service during the winter season between the parts of the settlement(sporadic situated houses and farms in great expanse).
Normal route
The trip starts from St. Martin(part of Obersaxen). Follow the marked trail towards Vorderalp at first on winding asphalt road till the place called Wasmen(1530m,till here is possible by car but parking may be problematic).
Leave the road and ascend through meadow and steeper in the forest till the forest line. Continue on the broad grassy shoulder to the buildings of Vorderalp(2010m,farm,no accomodation but option for tasting local cheese products).
At Vorderalp turn to the left and ascend on grassy terrain till reaching the ridge at a small rocky saddle. Above it the first top is Piz Titschal(2550m)crowned by a huge cairn wich is visible from great distance. Descend some metres to a saddle and go round the next elevation(Piz Lad,2665m) on its eastern side. After this,a steep cliff will be passed by on the scree slope on the right and you are just below the summit cross. The last 30 metres are equipped with an iron chain in order to raise the adventurous feeling.
Descend on the same way or from the saddle between P.Val Gronda and P.Lad eastwards to lake Blausee and continuing in Val Gronda valley(a bit longer;also marked trail.)
In winter usually ski route till P. Titschal. Winter summit climb demands a bit mountaineering experience,you should follow exactly the line of the ridge,taking care of potential danger of avalanches and cornices.
Red Tape
The area is not protected as National Park; neither special rules nor entry fee.
Camping
Camping is not definitely prohibited but not welcome I suppose. At any rate,it is not essential as it is possible to climb the peak in one day.
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