Better yet, since you're heading to Minnesota...
Follow the suggestion to Walden, CO. But instead of going down CO 14 through Poudre Canyon, you could stay on CO 125 heading north toward Wyoming, and take CO 127 where it intersects with CO 125; it will become WY 230 when it crosses the state line, and you can take WY 230 in to Laramie and get on I-80. This way, you'll only have Willow Creek Pass to cross, and you'll barely notice it. A LOT less steep and a lot less of a hassle...plus some pretty country for your viewing pleasure.