Routing from Moab, UT to Durango, CO then Albuquerque, NM

[pawpaw47]

We're presently in Moab, UT and we're thinking about spending a few days in Durango, CO on the way back to our home to Houston. From Durango we'll head to Albuquerque for a couple of days and then on to our home from there.
Any advise on the route from Moab to Durango and Albuquerque (elevation, grades, conditions, etc) would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Pawpaw

[Allworth]

We will take 160 to 84 every time over 550. Easy drive and much more scenic. A stop en route might be the Rio Chama RV park, just beyond the Narrow Gauge Railroad yard in Chama although I would check first to make sure they have not closed for the Winter. The management is not entirely predictable on opening and closing dates.

[BillMFl]

550 is the more direct route but is mostly flat boring desert. 84 to Pagosa and then south to Santa Fe is way more scenic and interesting. Santa Fe Skies is my favorite RV Park in Santa Fe.

[TundraTower]

We did this route last summer towing a 7600 lb TT and it was fine. A good road but very few service stations other than the towns. Two watch-outs:

1. In Cortez there is a screwy Y-shaped intersection. From Moab to Durango you will be coming in on one of the legs of the Y. The tricky part is that the road goes from 4 lane to 2 lane in the intersection with no warning. We were actually crowded out and had to jump a curb to save the sheetmetal.

2. As you come into Durango on 160 there is a very long and steep downhill grade - The Mountain Directory West lists it at 4-5 miles of 6%. It's manageable in lower gear, but the hill just goes and goes with several gentle curves. Take your time.

[NMDriver]

550 has some open range areas so watch for livestock on the blind corners and hills. They like to graze along the road and lay down on the warm asphalt as the days get cooler.

84 has one steep, with a curve or two, down grade for about a mile just south of the Abiquiu Lake turn off.

[pawpaw47]

Thanks for the info!

[SheepCamp]

Not many options between Moab and Durango. 191 south to Monticello and then 491 to Cortez. 160 on east to Durango. Highest point is 8800 ft on Hesperus Hill then leading down into Durango. Weather is nice and should be no issues even with the weather due on Thur/Fri. Direct route to ABQ is US 550 south. Four lane from Aztec to ABQ. Scenic route is US 160 to Pagosa Springs then south down US 84 to Santa Fe and on into ABQ. Mostly 2 lane through the hills and valleys. All roads are in good shape and no major passes or issues.