I suggest a map of Colorado.

I looked on a map and decided to drive as far a Pagosa Springs from Denver and stay overnight then the next day drive to Mesa Verde.
I saw that the Wolf Creek Pass is just before Pagosa Springs and I would be driving it at the end of the day.
Others have said the pass is scary and there could snow which could make it dangerous. How bad is it?
How long does it take to drive the pass? Can anyone give me insight to whether I should drive it late in the day or stay somewhere before the pass and drive it in the morning?

Your 276 miles is more than your 4 hour daily drive so why don't you just stop before the pass and go on the next day.

The pass is not particularly scary. It is a major road with shoulders and guard rails. And the probability of snow in mid Sept is close to zero. And even if there was a little, it would be very light. And, it about 30 minutes over the pass. It is not a big deal. If you want to stop early the best bet is Alamosa. It is the largest town in that area. College town so it will have a bunch of motels.