Co. highway 550 south

After doing the internet research, and the advice here we have decided to do this portion of the trip on the return, later in the month. This will enable us to enter Durango from the south, do the base camp there and day trip with the Jeep. It wasn't until I realized that the highway went above 10,000 feet that I considered how well diesel do at that altitude. I am comfortable with mountain driving, But I like to look around too, rather than white knuckle the center line while being a pest to the other traffic. This timing will allow us to do Mesa Verde National park after the 1st of April. After all, if it is possible to go there why not see the whole thing.

Thanks for all the advice and web sites which made it possible to do this safely.