Wolf Creek will not work well as it takes you too far west. And 114 from Saguache on 285 and 114 to Gunnison is easier than Monarch. If you go to South Fork and Lake City CO (149 North off 160 West) to get there you will have Slumgullion Pass which is very high and more difficult @ 11,529 feet. I have towed on every one of them and do not mind any depending on my final destination.
However the OP wanted the easiest route. Which = I40 to Clines Corners, 285 to Saguache via Santa Fe, and off 285 at Saguache on 114 to Gunnison. Cochetopa Pass is on 114 and will be your only real pass. Traffic is low and the pass is very easy. My 2 cents.............
Edited to add: OP did say Raton NM ...160 West off I25 at Walsenburg takes you over La Veta Pass which will get you to Alamosa where you can take 285 North to Saguache. 3 passes this direction. Raton, La Veta, and Cochetopa. All very easy.
