You don't have to head far for some decent mountain biking. Salida has a lot of options. Check out their
Salida Mountain Trails page for some trails right around town. The Arkansas River trail system is ridable much of the year, depending on snow, and you can ride right from town. Methodist Mountain is just a short distance south of town. Of course there's the famous Monarch Crest trail, worth the price of a shuttle and the better part of a day it will take to ride it. Salida is amazingly bike friendly.
Just up valley, the Midland Railroad Grade right out of the end of Main on the east side of town. A mixture of gravel road, single track along the old railroad grade, and a little more technical sections where they have had to build trail to bypass where the former bridges used to be. Nothing too hard, but a fun respite from some of the more difficult rides in the area.
The trail from the Hancock townsite (above St. Elmo) to the east portal of the Alpine Tunnel is an easy single track, except for the elevation which is above 11,000'. 5till, an interesting historic ride.
Many parts of the Colorado Trail are ridable in the state. The section in Chaffee County is no exception. Likewise, one of the better single tracks on the CT starts at Molas Pass and heads south. Many options off that section of trail. High altitude but beautiful views.
Another idea is including Flowing Park loop on Grand Mesa. Great views and flowers in the summer, without the swarms of mosquitos common further east on the mesa.
Everyone knows about Durango, but have you checked out Cortez? Several options there.
BTW, where is the picture from?
Ken & Allison
2 Camping Cats (1 diabetic)
1996 4Runner, TRD Supercharger, Edelbrock headers
2007 Fleetwood Arcadia, Honda EU2000i
4 mountain bikes, 1 canoe, 4 tents, 8 sleeping bags, 2 backpacks
(You get the idea!)