In this monthly series, we check in with one of our adventurous locals to find out how they would spend a perfect 24 hours in Sun Valley.

The days are getting longer, the temperatures are warming up, and if summer hasn’t officially arrived, it will soon. June is a special month in Sun Valley—warm enough to break out the summer clothing, but early enough in the season to have the trails and rivers all to yourself.

For our 24hrs Sun Valley – June edition, we reached out to Mark Davidson, Executive Director of the Blaine County Recreation District. Known locally as the BCRD, the Blaine County Recreation District’s mission is to enhance Blaine County’s quality of life by creating healthy, active recreational opportunities for all. They do this through a mix of programming, including youth sports leagues, adult fitness classes, and HUB after-school care, and facilities such as the outdoor Aquatic Center, FitWorks fitness center, Galena Lodge, and a network of summer and winter trails.

Though perhaps best known for their extensive groomed Nordic trail network, it’s a different trail system that has captured the attention of trail lovers this spring—BCRD’s new Quigley Trails Park in Hailey. Quigley Trails Park is a mountain biking skills park that features two pump tracks, three flow lines, and three jump lines. Each area of the park is designed with beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders in mind, so that there is something for every skill of mountain biker.

“As we’re coming down from spring youth sports, including our baseball leagues, we’re transitioning to summer trails and trail maintenance, swim programs, and the summer opening of Galena Lodge,” says Mark. “We’re also engaging the community on ways to recreate responsibly outdoors, so that our trails stay in great condition, no matter how many people hike and ride them this year.”

BCRD also recently re-opened their revitalized Aquatic Center, which includes an outdoor lap pool and brand new zero-depth entry leisure pool. The pools are open between Memorial Day and Labor Day for open swim, youth and adult aquatic classes, poolside yoga, and lap swim.

So, how would Mark enjoy his perfect June day in the Wood River Valley? Let’s find out.

What would you do first on your perfect June day?

June can have somewhat unpredictable weather, but assuming it is warm and clear, I’d take a hike or trail run at Summit Creek, which starts at the top of Trail Creek pass. On the way to the trailhead, I would stop at Café Della in Hailey for a coffee and an egg sandwich.

Summit Creek is great hike because you can go as far as you want, depending on where the snow line is. You really get a sense of the entire landscape from up there, and it has panoramic views of the Pioneer Mountains. Sometimes you can see mountain goats, and there are usually wildflowers, too. Their fragrance smells just like summer to me.

Summit Creek is a beautiful hike. Anything else you’d do near Sun Valley village while you’re in the area?

I would go to the Konditorei for coffee and a snack.

What’s up next on this June day?

My perfect day would probably include an afternoon nap, but that doesn’t sound too exciting, so instead, I would drive south to Silver Creek. As I passed through Hailey, I’d go to Pascual’s Taqueria Al Pastor #1 taco truck at the Chevron station and get five street tacos and a Coke for lunch.

At The Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve, I’d float the lower section of the creek and do some fishing.

Sounds beautiful. What does the evening look like for you?

Once home, I’d have a gin and tonic on my deck before dinner. For dinner, I’d grill Alderspring steak and have a baked potato, salad, and glass of wine with some good music on.  

Is there anything you’d do to round out your 24hrs in Sun Valley – June day?

I would take an evening walk on the Wood River Trail in Hailey with my wife, Jenny, and my German Shorthaired Pointer, Bill.