Welcome to our Industry Expert and Broker Series, where we showcase the best Ranches for sale and Sold across the American West; curated by our professional Ranch Brokers at M4 Ranch Group who know the lay of the land, like the back of their hands.
In this Listing Spotlight, we sit down with M4 Co-Founder Dan Murphy to discuss the story behind the sale of Big Willow Creek. A remarkable Colorado property defined by wildlife, wilderness, and an unshakable sense of place.
We talk with Dan about what made Big Willow Creek stand out, the strategies behind its successful sale, and what it means to connect the right buyer to a property of this caliber.
“This ranch wasn’t simply sold; it was matched with its next caretaker. From the first scouting trips to the final signing, M4 Ranch Group brought together decades of experience in outfitting, land management, aviation, and marketing to ensure every decision honored the land’s integrity”
Read on to learn more…
Prior To Selling:
How did M4 Ranch Group become involved in the sale of Big Willow Creek?
Big Willow Creek came to M4 Ranch Group, because the seller wanted a true ranch team… not a single broker with a sales pitch. They were looking for people who understood Western Land at a deeper level; folks familiar with Big Game Unit 66, heavy winters, limited access, and life in the high country.
That alignment of experience drew them to us. From day one, our entire team stepped into motion:
- Mapping
- Research
- Filming
- … and boots-on-the-ground, getting to know the land
“Every element of the transaction, from drone footage to negotiations reflected a full-team approach built on firsthand knowledge and mutual respect for the land”
What marketing strategies were used to attract the right buyer for this ranch?
Marketing Big Willow Creek, was a deeply collaborative process.
Michelle Murphy led the creative direction; crafting a story-driven presentation built from layers of mapping, visuals, and narrative.
“The goal wasn’t flash; it was truth, we wanted buyers to feel the land before setting foot on it”
Drone footage, elevation overlays, and on-site photography captured not only its scale but its movement (the wildlife, terrain, and mood that make it extraordinary). Each team member contributed, from field insights to design to ensure every marketing touchpoint accurately reflected the land’s spirit.
How did your experience, reputation, knowledge, services, and fees align with the seller’s goals?
The seller understood that hiring M4 Ranch Group meant hiring a company, not an individual.
Our combined experience spans:
- Wildlife biology
- Outfitting
- Ranch Operations
- Water Rights
- Conservation
- Aviation
- Marketing
- Logistics
That diversity is what sets M4 Ranch Group apart.
“Our fees reflect the value of this collective capability, ensuring each ranch gets not just representation… but a full-service team, built to deliver results rooted in deep knowledge and integrity”
Did you encounter any specific challenges, During the Sale?
Every Large Ranch presents its own challenges; timelines, logistics, environmental nuances and Big Willow Creek was no exception.
Tight deadlines were met with steady communications and operational discipline. When more research was needed, our field crew put in the miles.
The key was teamwork and patience. Everyone stayed aligned, which led to a seamless and successful closing.
The Ranch and Marketing:
What made ‘big Willow Creek’ stand out from all the other Ranches For Sale in Colorado?
The ranch sits directly in one of Colorado’s largest elk migration corridors, where thousands of elk move through each season.
Its blend of willow bottoms, meadows, timber, and ridgelines creates an exceptionally strong habitat.
“From the very first visit, it was clear this wasn’t just another property…it was a vital part of the landscape’s ecological rhythm”
What drew you personally to this property?
The land itself told the story.
The sense of movement, the untouched stretches of wilderness, and the feeling that you are part of something bigger. Those qualities instantly drew our team in… It felt wild, honest, and meaningful.
What was the most interesting or unexpected feature of the property?
Once we studied the migration closely, we realized the ranch controls a major transition area as elk drop from the high country to their wintering grounds. That corridor gives the ranch ecological significance far beyond its borders.
It’s a true sanctuary, one of the few remaining places where wildlife can move freely without disruption.
What value did you immediately see in this ranch?
From the start, we saw opportunity for long-term stewardship.
The ranch was intact, unfragmented, and authentic a property capable of supporting a legacy.
“The Ranch embodied the kind of Western heritage, that can be passed down through generations”
How would you describe the surrounding landscape?
Big Willow Creek, is a mix of elevations, water sources, and migration routes, all amplifying its value.
The surrounding wilderness also reinforces its privacy and connection to the larger ecological system, enhancing both its beauty and wildlife health.
What were the top recreational opportunities on this ranch?
Elk hunting leads the list, but the ranch also offers fishing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and limitless exploration.
“Every ridge, meadow, and creek holds a sense of adventure shaped by Colorado’s high-country terrain”
Where was your favorite location on the ranch?
A ridge overlooking the main migration corridor became everyone’s favorite viewpoint.
From there, you can see the entire pulse of the landscape; the movement, the scale, the connection between the land and wildlife.
Can you share specific stories or moments from your visits?
During early morning fieldwork, seeing the elk move through the frost-covered willows left a lasting impression.
“It was one of those moments where silence speaks volumes, you witness how alive and interconnected the ranch truly is”
What’s 1 thing a buyer might not realize from Looking at the listing alone?
They might not grasp how alive the landscape is.
Beyond its acreage and attributes, Big Willow Creek is a system in constant motion; habitat, water, and wildlife all working together.
“It’s more than land, it’s a living environment”
What kind of legacy could a potential owner build here?
This ranch lends itself to stewardship; to carrying forward a conservation-minded legacy rooted in respect for the land and wildlife.
Its true value lies in maintaining that balance.
What kind of improvements could take it to the next level?
Maintaining habitat quality, continued conservation partnerships, and subtle infrastructure improvements that support both recreation and preservation would all enhance its long-term potential.
Finding the buyer:
How did you match the right buyer, with Big Willow Creek?
We had worked with Dean on previous properties, including Eagle Ridge Ranch and his premier North Mountain elk ranch…so we already understood his values and goals.
Over time, we toured several ranches together to refine his search.
When he set foot on Big Willow Creek, it was instantly clear that this was the one.
“His appreciation for wildlife, privacy, and land integrity made him the right steward”
What were the key factors that made this sale successful for both parties?
Our established relationship with both seller and buyer allowed transparency and efficiency throughout the process.
Everyone respected the property and the process equally, which made for a rare balance between business and shared passion for the land.
“Trust, patience, and teamwork”
What unique challenges did you encounter?
Navigating the environmental detail and timing of migration patterns required deep study.
Utilizing both field data and aerial perspectives helped us coordinate access, mapping, and habitat understanding effectively.
“Our aviation tools gave us a view few others could replicate”
Describe your experience working with the buyers and their journey to ownership:
Dean’s journey was defined by clarity and patience.
He took the time to understand not just the ranch listings, but how each property felt in relation to the land’s purpose. Big Willow Creek became the obvious fit because it met both his emotional and practical vision for stewardship.
What was your biggest takeaway from the sale?
That land often chooses its steward.
This sale was a reminder that success in ranch brokerage isn’t just about transactions, it’s about honoring that connection between people and place.
“Along the way, lifelong friendships and trust formed, which is what defines meaningful work at M4 Ranch Group”
What are the new owners doing now?
The new owners are settling into life at Big Willow Creek.
They’re learning its rhythm, its seasons, its wildlife movement, and its solitude. It’s the beginning of their own chapter of stewardship, and seeing that process unfold is something the M4 Ranch Group team takes deep pride in.
Big Willow Creek – Highlights
- State/Town: Powderhorn, Colorado
- Price: $5,500,000 (*SOLD)
- Deeded Acres: 1,765+ Acres
- Key Features:
- Acreage:
- 1765+/- acre property
- During winter, the ranch experiences a migration of over 10,000 elk through this expansive 1765+/- acre property, offering an unparalleled spectacle
- Borders 18k acres of hard-to-reach BLM territory and is adjacent to the vast 72k acres of Uncompahgre National Forest
- 1765+/- acre property
- Recreational Features:
- Game Management Unit 66
- A haven for hunting enthusiasts, boasting a trophy Elk unit where bulls ranging from 280 to 350
- Renowned for its trophy mule deer, ranking among the state’s best units
- The property features a mile of Willow Creek traversing through it, alongside several spring-fed ponds, and two homestead cabins, all accompanied by landowner tags
- Game Management Unit 66
- Acreage:
- Sold Listing Details:
- Contact Us Directly: contact us today
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