Deer rutting in Val Grande: autumn in the Stelvio park

The call of the stag in the woods of the Stelvio park

Get ready for the magic of autumn in the heart of the Stelvio National Park. This hike leads into the splendid Val Grande, an untouched corner of Val Camonica where nature and silence rule.

We walk between woods and alpine grassland, with views opening suddenly onto the surrounding peaks. But the real thrill is something else: hearing the rutting call of the stag, the deep roar males send out during the mating weeks. It is a sound you hear before you see the animal, and it stays with you.

We climb to Rifugio Saverio Occhi, from where the view opens over the whole valley. It is 16 kilometres and 800 metres of ascent: the pace is slow, because to hear the rut you have to stay quiet and wait.

Why come

• the rutting call of the stag during the mating weeks
• Val Grande, an untouched corner of the Stelvio park
• Rifugio Saverio Occhi and the view over the valley
• autumn colours between woods and alpine grassland

Who it suits

This is an intermediate hike: 800 metres of ascent over sixteen kilometres, with no technical difficulty. It calls for patience and silence: the animals only come close if the group stays quiet. Bring boots, a warm jacket and binoculars if you have them.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's go and listen to the rut.