[scottz]

Two ways to do it while avoiding "steep & windy roads".

1. Durango - Monticello UT - Moab UT - Grand Junction CO - Montrose CO. 331 miles.

2. Durango - Dove Creek CO - Naturita CO - Gateway CO - Montrose CO. 287 miles, about the same amount of time as choice 1.

Given your requirements, I suggest choice 1.

BTW, it is 107 miles through Silverton over Red Mountain pass and 169 through Telluride over Lizard Head pass so your restrictions are adding considerable time and miles to the trip. However, if you are uncomfortable with "steep & windy roads" avoid both Red Mountain and Lizard Head.

PS: coming from Cruces, you might as well take I-25 to ABQ, I-40 to Gallup, then north to Cortez CO and west to Monticello UT; unless you need to go to Farmington or Durango.