You may save a few miles and time passing through Farmington, instead of driving all the way to Gallup. Basic route: Turn north in Albuquerque to Bernalillo, and head NW on US 550 towards Bloomfield. Mostly 75mph. In Bloomfield, head west to Farmington 15 miles and pass west through town until you reach the west city limits stoplight at NM 170. Head north for 43 miles to Hesperus, CO and make a left towards Mancos,15 miles away.
In Mancos, there is one stoplight and intersection. Take a right at the light and head NW 12 miles towards Delores. After Delores,you're almost home! By the time you would reach Gallup, NM you wouldn't that far from the Colorado border on US 550. I'll send you a map sometime on email showing details
