The pass (in my opinion) isn't much. It is a kind of a long steep decline into Laramie but otherwise you don't notice the pass. Plus, then you wouldnt get to see the Abe Lincoln sculpture at the pass/rest area. The distance via 287 is about 15 miles shorter. However, you use up all that time going through Ft Collins and if you arent familiar with the route, I can see it being confusing (I didn't think it was well marked). Also, using 287 puts you closer to the Hay Creek Fire and all the smoke from it. Depending on when you come through, that is another thing to consider. While the fire is basically west of town, it is impacting traffic all through town. Depending on the wind flow, we even get the fire smoke down in Denver (70 miles away).