Santa Fe to Chama 285/84, Chama to Pagosa 84, and then Pagosa to Durango 160, are all good roads; mostly 2 lanes with ocassional passing & turning lanes, and good shoulders in most areas. You'll do some up & down but no high passes and the elevations stay around 6500 - 7500.
Timing is everything, as you get further into October you significantly increase the chance of early winter snow storms in the higher elevations, especially if you head up to Silverton/Ouray or anywhere else above 10,000 ft.
This weekend was the peak for the fall leaf colors in the area and the leaves will be dropping quickly, especially with the cold front coming thru tonight & tomorrow. We have a freeze warning for tomorrow night (I'm at 8500 ft).
