Ok then, so let's see...this is what I'm thinking...

Stop in Durango:
Use map #2 going south and instead of stopping in Pagosa Springs, continue to Durango. Just add another 60 miles to the total, making a grand total of about 500 miles. As long as we leave early enough, we'll get there with sunlight left <crosses fingers>.

Here's a summary of the mountain passes we'll hit going down:
  • Ute Pass
  • Wilkerson Pass
  • Trout Creek Pass
  • Monarch Pass
  • Slumgullion Pass
  • Spring Creek Pass
  • Wolf Creek Pass
The return route might deviate a bit from the posted maps, but it still includes the San Juan Skyway.

So, 500 miles in one day? Doable?