That is the slow way.
You can save 30-45 minutes by taking I-70 west to Rifle. Take 13 up to Meeker. Before Meeker turn briefly west (1 mile) on 64 and then north to Maybell. This road is part (1/3rd) gravel, but it's a good road. Also pretty. If you have a good map and are adverturous, you can try to find a dirt road that is 24-26 miles up the this road and fork left. This saves you another 15 minutes. I had no trouble on this road with my subaru. When you hit highway 40, you turn left, and in 4 miles is the tree that marks the putin road.
The dirt road that saves 15 minutes is on my Recreation Map of Colroado and my DeLorme Gazeteer, one of which you should all have.
I also think you are better picking up I-70 in Golden. They have the new C-470 spur that goes into 93. Hwy 6 up Clear Creek is so slow.
Cross Mtn is a great run. Have fun.