Stelvio National Park — Val Zebrù Circuit

The Stelvio National Park (Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio) is the largest protected area in Lombardy, and the Val Zebrù above Bormio in Sondrio Province is one of its most spectacular valleys. The circular route through the valley runs about 18 kilometres with roughly 1,100 metres of elevation gain, taking six to seven hours and graded EE for its length and sustained climbs. The usual trailhead is at Santa Caterina Valfurva or the hamlet of Niblogo / San Antonio Valfurva above Bormio, reached by car or by bus from Bormio, itself served by bus connections through the Valtellina; parking is available at the valley trailheads and no permit is required, though the area's national-park rules protect wildlife and habitats. The path follows dirt mule tracks, stony alpine trail and meadow, with stretches of open ground and patchy shade from larch and pine lower down; the upper valley is fully exposed beneath glaciated peaks. The terrain is non-technical but long, with steady ascent. Landmarks include the Val Zebrù's wide pastures alive with ibex, chamois and marmots, the backdrop of glaciated summits including the Ortles-Cevedale group, and the staffed Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II al Caldai / Baita del Pastore and Rifugio Quinto Alpini higher in the valley, which provide food, water and shelter and serve as natural turn-around or rest points. Alpine lakes and wildflower meadows add to the scenery. Several huts and the valley road allow walkers to shorten the loop or bail back toward Santa Caterina if weather closes in. Wildlife viewing is best at dawn and dusk, so an early start improves the chances of close ibex and chamois sightings. After the hike, Bormio offers comfortable accommodation and historic thermal spas for recovery. The route is realistically hikeable only in the short Alpine summer, with snow lingering on the higher ground into early summer.