I can't tell exactly what route you are taking??? US 50 goes through Pueblo, not Colorado Springs, so when you say you are planning a trip on US 50, I don't know which direction you are going. US 24 goes through Colorado Springs.
As noted, by heading west on US 160 over Wolf Creek Pass, you'll be climbing the easier side of the pass. Do watch your speed on the descent on the west side.
If Durango is your destination, US 160 is the most direct route. You can find lower passes (and a lot more mileage) heading south into NM and entering Durango from the south. If your ultimate destination is Utah, the easiest route from Colorado Springs might be CO 115 south to US 50 west to US 285. If you're really wanting to avoid high passes like Monarch, head south over easy Poncha Pass to CO 114 which goes over North Pass and back to US 50 west (an extra 50 miles though!). We just stay on US 50 all the way to Grand Junction and hook up with I-70 there. Once you've explored Utah, you can return via Durango by way of US 491 or US 160, depending on where you are in Colorado. After your time in the Durango area, then head south on US 550 into NM and plan your route home based on what you want to see there.
Ken & Allison
2 Camping Cats (1 diabetic)
1996 4Runner, TRD Supercharger, Edelbrock headers
2007 Fleetwood Arcadia, Honda EU2000i
4 mountain bikes, 1 canoe, 4 tents, 8 sleeping bags, 2 backpacks
(You get the idea!)