Great Divide shortcut in colorado

[matzoh ball]

To save a little time for places I am heading to, I'm thinking of short circuiting the Great Divide route loop south of Salida. Instead of Sargents, Doyleville, Cochetopa Pass, the shorter route saves about 40 miles and heads more north/south from west of Marshall pass on County Rd. 32Jj past Sargents Mesa to link up with 114 and the great divide route near the turn-off to FR41G.

There must be an excellent reason why the Great Divide route does not go here, but I am hoping its because its not as scenic or something rather than because this road is in extremely bad shape or dangerous.  Anybody familiar with the area know the proposed shortcut conditions?  Preciate it!