The Cortez to Ridgeway Rt is beautiful and easier. There is Lizard Head Pass you'll go up over. I certainly hope you'll stop a couple days to see Mesa VERDE SINCE YOU'LL BE SO CLOSE. Also hope you'll use u'r 4x4 to do some of the Jeep trails. Stop at the visitors center or any Jeep Rental place to ASK ABOUT THE TRAILS AND MAPS. They range from easy to Dangerous. Stay off one called Black Bear, people have died on it. An easy beautiful trail is the Ophir Pass trail. Hope u'r in Silverton to see the Steam engine train come in from Durango.