M4 Ranch Guide

R A NC H ES | SH A R ED R A NC H C OM MUN I T I ES R A R E GE M S | LU X U R Y ESTAT ES

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Contents COVER Page

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Eagle Ridge Ranch

LISTINGS Page

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Ranches Rare Gems Luxury Estates Shared Ranch Communities

ARTICLES Page 10 Along came a Hero 22 M4 Ranch Group 31 C o l o r s o f He ro e s.o rg 40 49 64 72

Supporting our Veterans

Defining a Legacy Ranch A Brand of Excellence A Ranch within Reach Western Ranch Big Game Licenses 201 Gunnison Ave |Lake City | Colorado | 81235

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R A NC HES | SH A R ED R A NC H COM MUNI T IES | R A R E GE M S | LU X U R Y ES T AT ES

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M4 Ranch Group specializes in selling and marketing premium ranch properties, shared ranch communities, sportsman’s properties, and luxury estates throughout Colorado and New Mexico. Our brokers share our founders’ passion for preserving and experiencing the ranching and recreational lifestyle, approaching each partnership with the very authenticity, respect and integrity that the great outdoors represents.

M4 clients receive personalized and dedicated expertise and advocacy that continues beyond the closing. With over 30 years’ experience in real estate and managing ranch properties, our team brings knowledge and perspective to critical aspects of land ownership needed to maximize investment in ranching property, including water rights, conservation easements, land owner preference and habitat restoration.

Your TEAM

Dan Murphy Broker/Owner 970-209-1514 Dan@M4RanchGroup.com

Michael Murphy Broker Associate/Owner 719-849-1441 Michael@M4RanchGroup.com

LaWana DeWees Broker Associate 970-749-6521 Lawana@M4RanchGroup.com

Suzy Woodward Broker Associate 719-873-5050 Suzy@M4RanchGroup.com

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RANCHES

C urrecanti L ake R anch -

Gunnison, CO

Curecanti Lake Ranches are located in Southwestern Colorado San Juan Mountains sitting on the north side of Curecanti National Park overlooking Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water. The seven 35± acre unimproved ranches that comprise Curecanti Lake Ranches are surrounded by public BLM lands and nestled below the nationally famous West Elk Wilderness Area which is home of 400,000 acres of wilderness adventure. The ranches sits in the middle of Colorado’s most exciting attributes. There is hiking, riding high alpine peaks, rafting and float fishing , boating on the state’s largest body of water which is located just our your front door or skiing on Crested Butte’s renowned ski runs which just a short 40 minute drive away. The Ranch is conveniently located just 10± miles outside of the small mountain cowboy/college town of Gunnison Colorado, home to exceptional air travel at the Gunnison Valley Airport, excellent health care and the upbeat atmosphere of Western State Colorado College University. This ranch is the ultimate base location to launch your western lifestyle.

Parcel 7 - 35 ± Acres

$200,000

Parcel 8 - 35 ± Acres

Parcel 5 - 35 ± Acres

$450,000

Parcel 4 - 35 ± Acres

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$225,000

$475,000

RANCHES

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Parcel 6 - 35 ± Acres

Parcel 2 - 35 ± Acres

$300,000

Parcel 3 - 35 ± Acres

$375,000

$495,000

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RANCHES

R iver Sanctuar y -

Powderhorn, CO

A spectacular piece of property located in Powderhorn, Colorado with Cebolla Creek running through it. The 35±Acres of heavily wooded land is adjoined on three sides by public land making this a great opportunity for recreational use as well as a private and secluded get-away. The property adjoins the Mason Wildlife Area boasting an additional mile of fishing on the renowned Cebolla Creek.

$425,000

E nd of the Road R anch-

Powderhorn, CO

A 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on 40 ± acres could be the vacation home location of your dreams. The property has year round access and maintained roads as well as an absolutely lovely cabin - remodeled and never lived in - featuring vaulted great room, custom kitchen, pine ceilings and rock fireplace. The cabin and property are located literally at the end of the road. Imagine having a back yard that encompasses tens of thousands of BLM acres.

$595,000

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RANCHES

Main R anch -

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Del Norte, CO

Located in between the towns of South Fork and Del Norte is a rare large horse property on 373.89 +/- acres that has lush pastures. The ranch’s breathtaking views of the San Juan and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Ranges are just minutes from the legendary snows of Wolf Creek Ski Area and the highly acclaimed Rio Grande Golf Club. For the sportsman, enjoy the Rio Grande River Gold Medal fly fishing or millions of acres of public lands for a trail ride. Big Game Unit 76 is only 30 minutes away. In an area where 300 +/- acre horse parcels are becoming hard to find, the Main Ranch isn’t one to be missed.

$625,000

Road R anch -

Del Norte, CO

Giant views of the San Juan and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Ranges from this centrally located ranch between the towns of South Fork and Del Norte. Perfect for the horse lover or the gentleman cattle rancher. Just minutes from Wolf Creek Ski Area and the highly acclaimed Rio Grande Golf Club. For the sportsman, enjoy the Rio Grande River Gold Medal fly fishing or millions of acres of public lands for a trail ride. 321.32± acre horse / cattle ranches are becoming hard to find. Water rights will be conveyed with the ranch.

$699,000

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RANCHES

T riple R R anch -

Powderhorn, CO

Located in the Willow Creek Drainage area off county road 25 sits 318.14 acres with some improvements. A well is in place and a spring is on the property, just needs to be filed on. Nice RV site with electricity, gazebo, and storage shed. Located in game management unit 66, with herds of elk and mule deer migrating through every year. An historic cabin can be found on the property along with incredible views of the West Elk Wilderness and the San Juans. Rolling hills with Aspens, Pines and sage make up the topography on this ranch.

Recreational opportunities are boundless on and near this seasonal ranch. Fishing on Blue Mesa Reservoir, Cebolla Creek, and Lake Fork of the Gunnison. Hiking, biking, atving, horseback riding right from the property or nearby. A private outdoorsman paradise.

S alter Y R anch -

$699,000

Dolores, CO

Located roughly 20 minutes outside of the small mountain town of Dolores, Colorado, home to the McPhee Reservoir, the largest reservoir within the San Juan National Forest and second-largest in Colorado. Salter Y Ranch is a seasonal, off-grid hunter’s paradise. Bordering the San Juan National Forest it has spectacular views of Haystack Mountain. Mature Ponderosa pines and significant Aspen coverage, and a wide variety of wildlife cover the ranch. Summers Reservoir is located on the ranch with several small tanks scattered throughout this 345± acre ranch.

$899,000 8

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RANCHES

H og Heaven R anch -

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L aVeta, CO

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION $2,395,000 to $749,000 Situated at 8,400 feet, Hog Heaven Ranch is on the eastern flank of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Secluded, yet accessible, this 360± acre ranch is at the crossroads of some of Colorado’s finest mountain scenery yet is only 40 minutes from a major interstate highway. The Hog Heaven Ranch was greatly impacted by the 2018 Spring Creek fire, giving way to great opportunity to own a large acre parcel at a drastically reduced rate.

A large 2,000± square foot garage and workshop remain on the property and plenty of room to build a mountain cabin or hunting lodge.

Flanked by 10,635-foot Sheep Mountain to the east and 11,414-foot Iron Mountain to the southwest, Hog Heaven Ranch was sheltered in a richly-forested valley of spruce, fir, aspen and Ponderosa pines, creating a varied habitat that is home to many species of birds and small mammals. Pass Creek, a small stream, flows through the ranch for over a mile and is a water source for mule deer and elk, which frequent Pass Creek’s long meadow. Wildlife watchers found the ranch a pure delight.

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ALONG COMES A

ero

High in the San Juan Mountains, nestled under 14,000-foot peaks, lies one of the most picturesque, clear-running trout streams you could ever imagine. Sadly, the upper Lake Fork of the Gunnison is poor trout habitat with few trout. Mining, man made structures, and failed water impoundments from the late 1800s changed the face of history for this spectacular alpine fishery.

As an owner and broker of M4 Ranch Group, I have been blessed in so many ways, including getting to work with clients who can see past what is to what was, or—even better—what could be. This stretch of stream in the San Juans is a perfect example of what was and what could be.

Death of a Stream

At the heart of this success story is a 160-acre placer claim, staked out in the late 1800s. In subsequent years, following the path of so many similar parcels in the West, it was subdivided into eight different tracts of land, each bought and sold numerous times. Mining development and water impoundments built to supply hydro power to what was hoped would be one of the San Juan’s premier ore processing locations, contributed to the stream’s loss of habitat.

Typical of the time, the mining build-up was merely an opportunity for salesmen to hawk investments, stocks or options back east. Few of the regions ever saw real gold production or profits other than through the fleecing of long-distance investors.

At the turn of the twentieth century, this locale was heavily improved with mill houses, hydro power, and a mining camp, but little to no ore was processed. With depleting investments and no significant gold strikes, the buildings slowly disappeared, board by board. The large water impoundment upstream held back water and gathered sediment year after year. Eventually the dam failed, cascading thousands upon thousands of cubic feet of water and accumulated years of sediment onto the valley floor.

With the instant deposit of decades of aggregate, the stream lost its ability to maintain bank stability and deep water habitat. Huge deposits of sediment allowed the stream to move anywhere it desired with each and every high water event. Although it still flowed through a spectacularly beautiful 10

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by Dan Murphy, M4Ranch Group

location, the stream suffered from the ailments of the era’s mining history, loss of habitat and failed continuity of land ownership. Over the decades, it seemed impossible that this fishery would ever recover.

Along Comes a Hero!

Rarely are land investors willing to envision change and work overtime to make that vision happen. Fortunately, such was not the case in this instance. More than eight years and numerous transactions later, the new owner (who admirably desires anonymity regarding this project) has reinstated sole ownership of the 160-acre placer claim and added two additional contiguous mining claims. Now, with continuity of land ownership, the dream of stream restoration work has begun.

The challenges are great. With a tract of land containing over 2.5 miles of private stream, a waterfall, three lakes and timbered bottoms, the owner is facing the hurdles of no stream stability, a heavy bedload situation and elevated aluminum levels in the water.

River Restoration Magic

The biggest part of a successful river project is to build the right team, beginning with the vital role of the hydrologist—what I like to call the river architect. Along with the hydrologist comes a reputable wetlands delineation team, several permitting agencies and perhaps the single most important aspect of the team, an able construction crew. You can design and permit the best river plans in the world, but if you don’t find the right “artist on an excavator,” your dream restoration project is likely to fall far short of the desired outcome.

River restoration is literally comparable to the whispering voice heard in the famous movie, Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.” When you stabilize a stream, you allow it to maintain an incised channel.

By building structures like self-cleaning holes, point breaks, Ws and fish houses, you provide places for fish to live out the cold winter temperatures, places to spawn, places to grow older and thus bigger. You allow the necessary stream vegetation to grow and insects to thrive, both above and below the water line. “If you build it, they will come.”

Many alpine streams have a high percentage of slope and see very high water events;

spring melt and heavy rain can create dramatic flow variations. Building for these 100- or even 500-year events is a feat in itself. These conditions require a great deal of engineering and significant amount of structure to maintain the stream’s viability in heavy water events.

Large rocks and stumps are often used to build interwoven structures that control stream width and bank stabilization. On this particular project, over 3,000 rocks, each measuring over 3 feet square, will be the building blocks of habitat. Moving many thousands of yards of aggregate, the design and build team will restructure the historic stream channel, stabilize its banks and confine the river’s bank full width, thus providing the necessary deep water habitat, new growth on the banks and improved overall stream health.

The Cost of Habitat

While these types of projects are not cheap, neither is buying land with a premier river. In today’s world, it truly is less expensive to build a better river than to find the elusive existing strip of “perfect” trout stream. While history has greatly changed the channels and viability of many of the streams in the San Juans, the passionate commitment to proper stewardship by a growing number of today’s landowners is making tremendous strides toward improvement.

Stream improvements on one parcel of private land benefits not only the improved land, but the entire river system. A quality river project is like building a fish hatchery. Biologists have documented trout migrating many miles in river systems in the West. With improved habitat comes increased populations and with increased populations comes migration, as smaller fish eventually relocate to other areas with less competition.

M4 Ranch Group has been proud to work with such buyers who define the phrase Along Comes a Hero. When private or public funds restore depleted fisheries, mile upon mile of stream benefits from those efforts.

When you see these projects, realize the benefit to all: the habitat, the fish species, and the sportsman. So if you ever run across a stream project’s land owner, a hydrologist, a wetland-mitigation team or even a rough and tough ‘Artist on an Excavator,” you might just stop and give them a hug!

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RANCHES

H efner R io Grande R anch -

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South Fork , CO

Beautiful 111 acre parcel located near South Fork, Colorado on the Rio Grande River. Trees, mature grasses and river frontage.

This is not in a homeowner’s association. Views of the mountains and river and an upper pond on the property. Agriculturally exempt. Buy and hold or build your dream home. Extremely nice property and has it all.

South Fork sits at the intersection of two highways in Southwest Colorado and serves as the unofficial gateway to true Colorado. Incorporated in 1992, South Fork is one of Colorado’s newest towns but its roots in logging and farming extend prior to the 1870s. As an introduction to the outdoor opportunities offered by the region, South Fork is home to fly fishing on the gold medal waters of the Rio Grande River in the summer and serves as a great winter basecamp for those looking to snowmobile miles of trails to the south or for visitors making the daily trip to Wolf Creek Ski Area. Just 20 minutes from South Fork is phenomenal Wolf Creek Ski Area, which boasts some of Colorado’s best powder skiing. The ski area is also known for having one of the state’s highest annual snowfalls, creating a skier’s paradise with five different lifts, runs for all ability levels, and access to the backcountry.

One of South Fork’s most notable areas and attributes is the Rio Grande Club, which features beautiful homes, creeks, a restaurant and an 18-hole championship golf course. The course winds its way along the Rio Grande River, passes beautiful pine and aspen groves, and consists of dramatic elevation changes which provide not only challenging shots but beautiful vistas as well.

$1,200,000

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W a t e r V i e w R a n c h - Gunnison , CO 171± acres that is backed into public lands and overlooks Blue Mesa Reservoir and Curecanti National Park. The ranch commands outstanding views due to the location sitting on a mesa elevated at 7,900’ feet above the Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Predominately the ranch is covered in mountain sage, oak brush and spring fed pockets of aspen growth.

Improvements include a 4,982± square foot single level home with an attached 3 car garage. This mission style home, complete with a bell tower, stucco exterior and red metal roof creates a grand statement. The single level 4 bedrooms and 4 baths home is designed and loaded with many upgraded features. This home features a gourmet kitchen with chef quality appliances, granite countertops. Flowing right off the kitchen is a dining area and an open living area which makes for great entertaining. The beautiful stone fireplace all encompassed in walls of windows which allows for the enjoyment of the views. Beautiful custom tile and wood floors can be found throughout the home. Outside is a large landscaped fenced yard with sprinkler system, three covered patios which is surrounded by a stone retaining wall. The ranch is also set up to accommodate all your outdoor toys with a closely located detached 7-door garage/ workshop and horse stall set up on the east end with a fenced horse corral located nearby.

$1,295,000

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Powderhorn, CO

RANCHES

P owderhorn Creek R anch -

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Privacy, improvements, access, location, views are just some of the key words that help to describe Powderhorn Creek Ranch.

The valley views, rock formations and meandering Powderhorn Creek are gracefully accented by a wonderfully built frontier style home. An oversized garage and fully equipped guest quarters are welcome additions to a well laid out master plan of the improvements. Irrigated hay meadows, water rights, a work shop and full equestrian facilities complete this western ranch.

The 200 +/- private acres are backed into thousands of public acres. At the back door and as a ranch backdrop are the 62,250 protected acres of the Powderhorn Wilderness Area. From a wildlife stand point, the ranch is located in the world famous Big Game Unit 66. The terrain, location and habitat make the ranch a spectacular place and the total acres make it eligible for land owner preference applications. Unit 66 boasts well managed deer and elk herds with trophy bucks and bulls. Whether you like the challenge of the hunt or to walk where few tread, you can enjoy both from Powderhorn Creek Ranch.

$1,395,000

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RANCHES

Rio De Los Pinos R anch -

Mogote, CO

Lovely alpine vistas, a marvelous trout stream, four-season recreation and one of the nation’s last operating narrow gauge railroads all make the Los Pinos Ranch a rare treasure west of Antonito in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado.

Anglers, hunters, history buffs and solitude lovers all will appreciate the unique draw of the Rio de Los Pinos Ranch, just waiting for the construction of a very special high-country retreat.

The centerpiece of this 287.7± acre ranch is the Rio de Los Pinos itself, an enchanting clear water river, about 20 feet wide, that flows from Trujillo Meadows Reservoir about five miles to the west. On the ranch, it traverses for almost 3/4 of a mile in a series of lovely riffles and oxbow bends through natural grasslands. The river is a productive aquatic insect factory, with strong populations of mayfly, caddisfly and stonefly nymphs, which in turn, feed its wild trout population.

Once the native range of Rio Grande Cutthroat trout (some of which populate nearby tributaries) this section of the Los Pinos now supports brown and rainbow trout that run in the 10- 12inch range, with some reaching 16 inches or so in the deeper pools at the oxbow bends. Best of all, these fish love to take a fly, and the river offers brush-free, dry fly fishing at its finest in the summer months. Beginning fly fishers will find this water perfect for learning the sport, while veteran anglers will enjoy a season’s worth of challenges as well.

$1,395,000

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RANCHES

S add lebrook R anch-

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South Fork , CO

Incredible riverfront property just minutes from South Fork, Colorado and Wolf Creek Ski area! This 77± acre property has over 5500± feet of private river frontage on the South Fork of the Rio Grande. Pristine waters that have hardly ever seen a human face, this is the Fly Fisherman’s paradise. There is a large boulder berm that shields the property from Hwy 160 providing privacy and traffic noise abatement. You will feel like you are a thousand miles from civilization, but in reality, only a short distance to amenities of a small town including medical, grocery store, etc. The property borders the forest service public land to the west and south in game management unit 80 which is an open hunting unit (some restrictions for certain seasons).

Lots of elk, mule deer, black bears, etc. Half of the property is covered with healthy pine trees on a mountain, the other half is level with interspersed mature pines. Two existing wells, electricity close, and water rights! There is also a small boulder field with VERY large boulders on the property which may be sold or used as needed.

$1,399,000

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O ld R oss Homestead-

L aVeta, CO

The 2,342± square foot rustic homestead was completely rebuilt in 2010, the original building dates to the 1800’s when it was a one-room schoolhouse. The charm of the past has not been lost but enhanced with high-end finishes and a masterful flowing floorplan. The home was meticulously redone with reclaimed wood, flagstone, and wood flooring, exposed vaulted wood beams, tongue and groove ceilings, in-floor radiant heat and a functional Rumford stone fireplace. Accents of copper and tin can be found in the kitchen along with gourmet appliances and gorgeous wood counter-tops. A spacious dining area is located next to the kitchen with glass French doors leading into the living space. The master suite has its own kiva fireplace and French doors leading out to the patio. A rustic farmhouse style bathroom adjoins the master. The guest bedroom is flooded with natural light from its large window and French doors. The room has a beautiful tongue and groove vaulted ceiling. A second bathroom also done in farmhouse style with a unique red brick shower. The character of the homestead keeps on going with its screened-in sleeping porch and beautiful flagstone patios, which are accessible from various locations in the home, giving you that much desired outside entertaining space. Every detail of this magnificent home down to the handmade windows and hand-hewn logs brings the history of this beautiful valley to life. Price reduced from

$1,250,000 16

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RANCHES

H o r s e C r e e k R a n c h - Paonia, CO

Located 11± miles outside of the town of Paonia, Colorado in a stunning Rocky Mountain setting is the Horse Creek Ranch.

The seasonal ranch is comprised of 500± acres and borders the Gunnison National Forest giving way to a true Rocky Mountain experience. The Ranch offers an off grid 1,273± square foot 3 bedroom, 1 bath cabin with a separate 576± square foot bunkhouse and a 600± square foot equipment shed. Backed into the West Elk Wilderness Area and nestled below Gunnison Peak in GMU 53 providing fantastic elk, deer and bear hunting. The ranch has Horse Creek and Minnesota Creek running through it along with two stock ponds and a ½ ± acre trout pond. Amazing views of Mt. Gunnison and the West Elks accompanied by gorgeous Aspens and Spruce trees all at around 8,800± feet.

$1,495,000

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MuchasTruchas R anch -

L ake City, CO

The Ranch hosts 4,000 ± ft. of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River on 39 ± acres that complement an expertly designed and executed trout lake filled with line-breaking rainbows and brown trout. While an astounding fishing property, this ranch will also overwhelm you with its high alpine San Juan Mountain views and local recreational opportunities. While wonderfully private, this tract is less than five minutes from Colorado’s second largest natural lake, Lake San Cristobal. The properties’ key location provides quick and easy access to historic Lake City, Colorado and the limitless sea of protected public lands out the gate. Property improvements include, improved roads and home sites, an existing water well and toy storage shed. This is the perfect canvas with terrain, live water and outstanding alpine views from which to create your Colorado dream home $1,695,000

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RANCHES

P r o n g h o r n R a n c h - Del Norte, CO

Located southeast of Del Norte is a breathtaking ranch sitting on 1,740.78± deeded acres with abundant rock out-cropping and canyons. With spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, this ranch borders and includes an additional 640 ± acre state lease which becomes a total of over 2,380 ± acres.

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1,740.78 ± acres Acres of rock out-croppings and historic canyons Area home to trophy mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, fox, coyote and a plethora of seasonal and local birds Local recreation includes hunting, fishing, backpacking, winter skiing, snowmobiling, hiking and camping Convenient to Penitente Canyon Large views of Sangre de Cristo mountain range Bordering an additional 640 ± acre state lease, which expands to over 2,380 ± acres

$1,995,000

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U p p e r P i e d r a R a n c h - Pagosa Springs, CO Rare find in the upper Piedra. Can be purchased in (2) 35± acre tracts or one gorgeous 73.21± acres on the Middle Fork of the Piedra River. Stunning property, no conversation easements, ag exempt status, good roadway system in place, water rights and power has been installed on the property. Beautiful piece of property. This property is being split off a 144± acre ranch. Every detail has been thought of and executed perfectly. Rare gem with many possibilities

$1,995,000

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RANCHES

S apinero R anch -

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Gunnison, CO Five ranch parcels may be sold individually 182± Acres at $425,000 each.

Privacy, year-round accessibility, and Colorado views are key factors to the 911.92± acres that make up the Sapinero Ranch.

Located just 22± miles west of Gunnison, Colorado and 39± miles east of Montrose, Colorado. The ranch starts at an elevation of 7,600± ft. and rises to a height of 8,400± ft. The Sapinero Ranch offers exceptional views of the West Elk Mountain Range, the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River basin, Curecanti National Park and the world famous Pinnacle Rock formation located on the shores of Colorado’s largest body of water, the Blue Mesa Reservoir. The west ranch gate is located 2± miles from the Lake Fork Marina providing excellent boating access onto one of Colorado’s finest fresh water fisheries that holds many of the state fishing records. Rolling terrain, gamble oak, sage and pine forest make up the entirety of the Sapinero Ranch. Located in Big Game Unit 66, this piece of land is nestled in one of the finest big game units in Colorado, offering exceptional wildlife. The ranch is in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Big Game Land Owner Preference Program, giving the ranch owner the possibility to enjoy hunting this exclusive ranch and unit year after year. The Ranch is fully conserved with several amazing building sites.

This is a great opportunity to own an amazing tract of land that has endless recreational opportunities. $1,999,000

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Realtors® Land Institute Recognizes March 21, 2018 (Lake City) – Both Dan and Michael Murphy of M4 Ranch Group from Lake City, CO received the 2017 National Top Producer Award, the 2017 Broker of the Year in Recreational Land Sales Award, Top Producers Club Award.

Additionally, The Realtors® Land Institute (RLI) included Dan and Michael, respectively, among the 2017 Top Twenty Producers. The Murphy brothers accepted the awards during the APEX Awards Program Ceremony on March 13 at RLI’s National Land Conference hosted this year in Nashville, TN.

“I’m sincerely excited and humbled to be recognized by the Realtor’s Land Institute with

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these top honors,” said Dan Murphy, an RLI member since 2008. “We are truly fortunate to do what we love every day, which is to bring the rich history and beauty of this country’s western lands with both new and veteran land owners.”

“It’s a tremendous honor to even be nominated for an APEX Award, much less to win one,” said Michael Murphy, also an RLI member since 2010. “We really owe this honor, though, to our friends, family and colleagues who share our love for land and tirelessly support us day in and day out.”

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RANCHES

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Dan and Michael Murphy with Four 2017 APEX Awards The APEX Awards Program, sponsored by The Land Report, celebrated its inaugural year with fifty applicants totaling a combined $1B+ in qualifying transaction volume. The awards program is designed to recognize the excellence and performance of the best in the business with these prestigious land real estate production-based awards. Every year, the REALTORS® Land Institute recognizes the year’s ‘Top Producer Award’ for the agent with the highest production level; ‘Broker of the Year Award’ for the agents with the highest production in each of the seven distinct land categories; ‘Wrangler’ award for the agent with the most transactions; the ‘APEX Top 20’recognizing the top twenty agents, and the “APEX Producers Club” recognizing all applicants who met the minimum qualifying volume of $4M. “We are proud of the Murphy brothers and all of our members that were recognized for their accomplishments in 2017. They truly are the cream of the crop when it comes to land real estate professionals,” said RLI’s CEO Aubrie Kobernus, MBA, RCE, about the new program. “In the two years since launching M4 Ranch Group, Dan, Michael and all of the support cast there have raised the bar for standards of service in our industry.”

To learn more about The APEX Awards Program or the opportunities available through the Realtors® Land Institute, please visit rliland.com.

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O l e o R a n c h - L ake City, CO At 10,500 feet, Oleo Guest Ranch offers rustic Colorado vacation cabin rentals. The mountain cabins are located in a remote part of southwest Colorado (between Creede and Lake City) and are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Each secluded mountain cabin offers privacy and breathtaking views with comfortable accommodations. The ranch’s water is drawn directly out of the mountain the cabins are built upon. Propane gas runs appliances, lights and heats water for the kitchens and bathrooms. Recreational activities at Oleo include miles and miles of scenic trails for mountain hiking/climbing, photography, fishing, or just relaxing. Moose and Elk are often seen and several kinds of hummingbirds are always around the many cabin feeders. The colorful wildflowers in summer, the wind blowing through the aspens, and the spectacular fall foliage are nature at its best. Five stocked ponds and 1.5 miles of streams provide guests with private fishing, so beginners to avid fly fishermen will have ample opportunity to wet their lines. Peace and quiet is not something you have to seek out at Oleo… the wind blowing through the aspens will be the only thing you’ll hear while reading your book on the deck. $2,495,000

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RANCHES

J u n i p e r M o u n t a i n R a n c h - Craig , CO

Juniper Mountain Ranch occupies the heart of untamed northwest Colorado, only a few miles from the ranching hamlet of Maybell. At 6972.40± deeded acres, it’s an impressive spread that covers rolling hills of pinon/juniper woodlands and sagebrush bottomlands at elevations of 6100 to 6800 feet, surrounding the local landmark of 7847-foot Juniper Mountain. With an attendant State lease and a 5800-acre BLM grazing permit, over 20 square miles of territory fall under its domain. For years it has been productive grazing ground for 800 animal units, comprised of both cattle and sheep. Juniper Mountain Ranch is easily accessible from US Highway 40 and thus not far from some of the West’s most spectacular recreational opportunities.

The resort town of Steamboat Springs is less than 90 minutes to the east, offering world-class downhill skiing, and Dinosaur National Monument, with its incredible fossil beds and spectacular sandstone canyons, lies only 45 minutes to the west. The Yampa River flows just north of the ranch, featuring renowned white water rafting and some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the state.

$3,500,000

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RANCHES

R e d H a w k R a n c h - Crested Butte, CO

Red Hawk Ranch, high in the West Elk Mountains near Crested Butte, Colorado, you’ll not only be “away from it all”, but also “above it all”. This 923± acre wilderness ranch boasts sweeping views of the magnificent Ohio Creek Valley that will be shared only by you and the eagles. If you’re interested in having your nearest neighbors be elk, mule deer, black bears and lush meadows of wildflowers, Red Hawk Ranch is the wilderness hunting retreat of your dreams. A 3,045± square foot lodge serves as headquarters for this magnificent property. It includes four bedrooms, full kitchen, storage garage and a vaulted great room filled with trophy mounts. Spectacular high country views can be enjoyed from its large deck. The lodge is entirely offgird, powered by a solar system with generator backup.

$3,450,000

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RANCHES

P iedra Fork s R anch -

Pagosa Springs , CO

The Piedra Forks Ranch is a Fly Fishing haven. The ranch is comprised of 169.32± acres of wilderness, meadows, and live water.

Offering numerous fishing arenas with 1.2± miles of the East Fork River and .73± miles of the Middle Fork River. There is a 1.23± acre lake on the ranch. The ranch offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and Weminuche Range.

Impressive improvements include a 2,976± square foot main home with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. This stunning log home is perched on one of the highest points of the ranch. The home has been recognized in both the Smithsonian and Sunset magazines. The home was designed by Peter H. Dominick Jr., a distinguished graduate of the Yale School of Architecture. It offers an inviting open floor plan, captivating rock fireplace, tons of windows that provide the home with an abundance of natural light. Sunrise and sunset porches for amazing viewing and a cozy hot tub to enjoy the outdoors to its fullest. Additional ranch improvements include a 2 bedroom, 2 bath; 1,116± square foot guest home with an attached garage and amazing outdoor fireplace; 544± square foot 1 bed, 1 bath rustic cabin and finally a 1 room 360± square foot fishing cabin located right on the river bank of the East Fork of the Piedra River. The Ranch has a conservation easement to preserve its outstanding beauty, with an option left to still build an additional cabin and barn. $4,900,000

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RANCHES

I vord t R anch -

Powderhorn, CO

Nestled between two breathtaking canyons, Ivordt Ranch is an end of the road, 680 ± acre sanctuary peppered with old growth spruce, Ponderosa pines, quaking aspens with close to 2 ± miles of willow-lined, trout-filled Powderhorn Creek cutting through lush irrigated hay meadows. 62,000± acres of the Powderhorn Wilderness await you at your fence line, with well managed heard of mule deer and elk in legendary Big Game Unit 66. This ranch is tailor made for a serious fishery enhancement, with water rights, elevation, slope, water source and natural terrain. Located halfway between Lake City and Gunnison, Ivordt Ranch has access to unlimited winter, summer, and fall recreation, creating the perfect mountain property.

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Proud Sponsor of

The lives and hearts of many people are dramatically affected because of the brave and selfless sacrifices of many American military men and women. We believe in the therapeutic value of outdoor experiences in the healing of wounded veterans.

Robb Gustafson sustained injuries resulting in a traumatic brain injury. After medically retiring from the Army, with the help of his wife, Jennifer, Robb went through extensive rehabilitation including physical and cognitive therapy. In 2010, Robb and Jennifer were invited by Bob and Cathy DuHadaway to attend a deer hunt in Texas. This outdoor experience proved to be the best therapy Robb received during his recovery. In realizing the therapeutic value of the outdoors, an idea sparked in Robb to create an outdoor foundation, which would help other families struggling with loss due to service to our country.

Join us in helping our Veterans!

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RANCHES

I n d i a n C r e e k R a n c h - L aVeta,CO

Indian Creek Ranch sits on center stage on 875± acres in one of Mother Nature’s virtuoso performances. This is the heartbeat of Spanish Peaks Country and this handcrafted Lodge is as bold and beautiful as the panorama that surrounds it!

The 16,000 square foot custom lodge features impressive high ceilings, oversized picture windows, masterful stonework and massive log timbers. The fully furnished home includes many European antiques and an extensive western art collection.

All the common areas of the home are spacious enough for large gatherings yet cozy enough for quiet reflection. Five fireplaces create ambiance and in-floor radiant heat adds a gentle blanket of comfort throughout the home. Ambient light spills into the Master Chef ’s Kitchen, which features commercial grade appliances, custom cabinetry and solid granite counter tops. A historic Royal Charter Oak Dual Range is the room’s centerpiece. Each of the Lodge’s eight bedrooms have private baths. Four of the Guest Suites encompass over 1000 square feet each and include kitchenettes, living areas, fireplaces and direct outdoor access. Indian Creek Ranch covers 873 fenced and cross-fenced acres and includes roughly 140 acres of productive hay fields. Long Summer growing seasons and mild Southern Colorado winters add up to superior year-round grazing. The Ranch has been under the watchful eye of attentive management and proud ownership.

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$5,875,000

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RANCHES

C entennial R anch -

Ouray County, CO

Centennial Ranch is the result of one man’s dream to preserve, for future generations, a small piece of this nation’s rich heritage. This heritage was forged by a strong work ethic, dedication, following the basic cycles of life and having to adapt to whatever those cycles dictated. Centennial means spending time outside, being connected to a place and the land, responsibility and closeness with family and neighbors. It is a life that follows the changing of weather and climate as well as the ebb and flow of the river. It is the children raised doing meaningful work, experiencing an intimate connection with the land and learning to value what is truly important. It is the sound of the cowboys, horses and cows during the fall gather, the smell of newly cut hay, the tracks of deer in the snow and the music of the river as it passes by each day.

Particulars • 392.18 acres

• 97.6 irrigated acres

• ½ mile of private river frontage

• 8.25 cfs of irrigation water in two ditches • 6,064-sq.-ft. custom ranch house

• Timber-frame barn and authentic line cabin

• Employee housing, equipment sheds, calving shed, corrals and machine shop

• Supports 60-75 head of Hereford/Angus cattle; self-sufficient in hay production

• Protected by a conservation easement that allows for construction of an additional 15,000-sq.-ft home as well as additional employee housing and a ranch office

$7,500,000

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Rock Canyon R anch -

Powderhorn, CO

Few ranches anywhere offer more than Rock Canyon Ranch. A pristine, all encompassing ranch with unparalleled fishing access.

• • • • • • • • • •

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879 ± deeded acres 2.5 ± miles of live water 1 ± acre lake 24.25± cfs water rights Ditch rights & springs End of the road ranch Nestled in 80,000 ± public acres Backed into 61,000 ± acres of the Powderhorn Wilderness Area Located in Premier Big Game Unit 66 comprising of 575,000± acres and 890+/- square miles Ranch is qualified for Colorado P&W landowner application hunting licenses

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Improvements include: • Country Home - 4,706 ± sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath • Guest quarters - 1,050 ± sq. ft.

• Garage-oversized 3 car • Horse stables - 2,352 ± sq. ft.

• Equipment shed - 1,176 ± sq. ft.

$7,295,000

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RANCHES

R ed Cloud R anch -

L ake City , CO

Red Cloud Ranch is comprised of 405.16± deeded acres nestled in a sea of public lands. The ranch lies on the Lake Fork River valley floor nestled below a skyline of 14,000 Ft. peaks. Offering timbered forest, open irrigated ranch meadows, two custom trout lakes and over 1.5± miles of exceptional trout stream. The ranch is the definition of a Rocky Mountain Paradise illustrating breathless views, renowned improvements with opportunity seldom found in the west. The 27,000± sq. ft. main lodge is constructed of giant logs and custom western accents throughout, 13 personal suites, 30’ moss rock stone fireplace, giant great room, commercial kitchen all accented by a spacious deck. The Ranch offers a complete retreat facility, from the 37,000± sq. ft. equestrian complex to the adventure high ropes course. Accompanied by seven custom dorms, five outstanding Swedish cope log homes, fully equipped in floor heated shop and work building & more. Seldom do you find this type of mountain property with constructed amenities to meet “any” size family or group.

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• 405± Acres • Water Rights • River Front • 2 Ponds • 27,000± Sq. Ft. Log Lodge • Guest Homes, Dorms, Bunk Houses, Workshops, Chapel • Equestrian Center $7,800,000

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Legacy Ranch defining a

WRITTEN BY DAN MURPHY—OWNER/BROKER OF M4 RANCH GROUP

I

have to admit I am spoiled. In my role with M4 Ranch Group, I regularly visit and experience the wonders of some of the finest ranches in the western United States.

Having explored literally hundreds of ranching properties in the past two decades, I have learned to look beyond the majestic landscapes and finely appointed ranch homes to see the significant level of investment—emotional, financial and physical—that owners have made toward preserving a ranch’s history and lands, its legacy. Ranches deemed “legacy” ranches are steeped in historical significance, natural resources and bountiful wildlife. They are often the result of careful cultivation, great effort, passion and commitment to building a lasting monument to the ranching tradition of the West. In today’s world, where commodities and resources have become largely disposable, legacy ranches represent an impressive effort to maintain and protect not only a piece of the western frontier, but a way of life.

In today’s culture of rapid-pace, multi-screen and readily available information, we often hear of big business tycoons, such as Ted Turner, who own hundreds of thousands of acres of ranchland but we do not consider their dedication to preserving the very heritage and life of those lands. Such accomplished people have invested financial resources needed to amass and protect these ever rarer legacy properties, iconic ranches such as the Wagner Ranch that spans the North Texas plain, the Vermejo Park Ranch of Northern New Mexico, the stunning Belle Ranch located in the antelope plains of New Mexico or the infamous King Ranch of South Texas.

But seldom do you see a legacy ranch lying at the foot of 14,000-foot peaks or backed into 100,000s acres of public lands that include designated wilderness areas, national parks and national forests.

With as few remaining legacy ranches now dotting the western plains, there are even fewer that have been built and maintained that are located in the high-elevation Mountains of the West. Historically, miners typically settled the high country or mountain regions of the West, with patented

mining claims typically being only 10.3 acres. In some larger mineral strikes, hundreds of miners lived together on the multitude of 10.3-acre mineral claims, each miner working to make his stake of pending wealth. Further down the valleys from these lofty mining claims, “placer” claims began to emerge, with “placer” claims allotted in 160-acre tracts that were typically located along the high alpine valley floors. These types of land claims where originally patented in areas where the forwardthinking entrepreneurs planned to mill tons of gold or silver ore on the path to riches. Township communities formed further down the valleys to serve as supply lines for mining camps in places like Telluride, Durango or Crested Butte, Colorado. Just beyond these high alpine townships were the first deeded agricultural grounds in the West, with land parcels comprised of 160-acre homesteads, where hard-working “meat and potatoes” families worked to grow potatoes, harvest hay and run cattle.

Given the history and function of land across the western highlands, settled in 160-acre increments by the West’s toughest immigrants, cowboys and dirt farmers, imagine the not-so-simple task of cobbling together rocky and treacherous sections to develop a legacy ranch. This task became even more challenging as, over time, these high country towns went from boom to bust, taking the demand for local beef and potatoes to a standstill. Many producing families did all they could to hang on, many leveraged there homesteads with the local grocer or mercantile to keep staples on the table and farms equipped. As the bills mounted and demand for goods, services and labor disappeared, many western settlers traded their land as a means of settling old debts. To this day, some of the mountain valley’s top ranching families are descended from these former shop owners. So it is with that there is a sincere lack of legacy ranch inventory existing in the high alpine mountains of the West.

So few legacy ranches can be found in mountainous regions that meet “true” legacy standard that discovering and exploring one can be the experience of a lifetime.

The Wolf Springs Ranch, a highaltitude alpine ranch that lies at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, is just such a ranch. It backs into jagged peaks and spans from the bases of

In today’s world, where commodities and resources have become largely disposable, legacy ranches represent an impressive effort to maintain and protect not only a piece of the western frontier, but a way of life

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peaks to the expansive valley floor of Colorado’s Wet Mountain Range. My work with this ranch has given me the opportunity to truly understand and appreciate the depth of commitment needed to build a legacy ranch of such caliber. Over the course of 28 years, a forward-thinking and passionate ranch owner assembled dozens of land purchases, including land trades with the federal government, the State of Colorado and also lots negotiated as private land purchases. This decades-long commitment and dedication has resulted in the amassing of more than 55,000 deeded mountain acres, building what is seldom found—one of the largest high elevation ranches in the American West.

At one point, while standing on the deck of what the land owner calls “Eagles’ Nest Cabin East,” I realized that the owner of Wolf Springs Ranch literally owns the vista, every mesa, peak, river and plain that could be seen from this cabin. In Disney’s iconic animated film, The Lion King, King Mufasa tells his son Simba to look out over the African savannah, explaining that their kingdom extends to “everything the light touches.”

Standing on that deck, viewing a western skyline of jagged mountain peaks sprawled out before me that overlooked green valleys dotted with blue lakes, the tremendous scale and majesty of the 55,000-acre property overwhelms.

The plethora and vibrancy of the wildlife that roam Wolf Creek Ranch is unparalleled, even by Colorado standards. I was literally in awe, with the sound of dueling Elk bugles rising from the mesa below me, and the fall Aspen colors dotting the green of the pine-covered ridges. That evening, I saw three bears, meadows filled with dozens of trophy-quality, rutting bulls and some spectacular mule deer bucks. Having been a

professional outfitter for more than 20 years, with ownership of camps in the most remote parts of Colorado, Montana and Alaska, I typically bedded in a sleeping bag at least 100 nights a year for most of those 20 years. I am no stranger to experiencing breathtaking landscapes and fraternizing with trophy-caliber wildlife. Even so, experiencing first-hand the raw power of those 55,000+ deeded and contiguous acres and their estimated herd of more than 1,000 resident elk, for me, bordered on the spectacular.

The Wolf Springs Ranch is so large it sets its own hunting seasons, and its owner has the right to determine which weapons will be used during those hunting seasons, with guaranteed licenses for friends, clients and family. The ranch also opens its doors each year to cow hunters who assist in controlling the herd, all while building a relationship of respect and appreciation with many of the local families. The ability to hunt Wolf Creek Ranch has become so prestigious that residents can wait a minimum of 18 years to draw the very few and extremely coveted Ranching for Wildlife bull tags.

Certainly, a variety of legacy-class ranches exist and can be purchased across the broad expanse of the American West.

But for those who seek unparalleled privacy, beauty, serenity, luxury and their own piece of a rich history, ranches like Wolf Springs Ranch provide opportunity to authentically experience the American West. Perhaps more importantly, owning a ranch of Wolf Springs Ranch caliber provides opportunity to own a piece of the “Pride Lands” by become an integral part of a living legacy.

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RANCHES

P i c k B a r R a n c h - Bayfield,

CO

The Pick Bar Ranch occupies 1008.9± acres in the scenic Pine River valley, a few miles north of Bayfield, on the main road to Vallecito Reservoir. Located at approximately 7000 feet, the ranch has a mountain section and a meadow section. The eastern mountain section is dominated by extensive forests of mature ponderosa pine, with abundant draws to shelter mule deer, elk and black bear. The western meadow section contains the ranch headquarters, irrigated meadowlands and the riparian corridor of the Pine River, vegetated with a lovely mix of pines and native cottonwoods.

Water makes or breaks ranches in southern Colorado, and the Pick Bar Ranch is blessed with over a mile of the coveted Pine River, and a mile of its tributary, Bear Creek. Senior water rights of a healthy 3.278 c.f.s. ensures that nearly 200 acres of hay is well-watered, including a 1/4-mile radius pivot. As a result, the ranch has been a solid cattle producer since 1883, and currently supports up to 70 AUs year-round, with winter pasture and summer grazing all available on-property.

The Pine River is a closely guarded fishery among those who are fortunate enough to control access to it. Rich in insect life, and partially controlled by the outflow from Vallecito Reservoir, the Pine can produce some of the largest brown and rainbow trout in Colorado. Not far upstream from the Pick Bar Ranch, a 40-inch rainbow was recently caught, and trophy browns and rainbows in the multi-pound category live throughout the river, including on the mile of river on the Pick Bar Ranch. Careful riparian habitat management and engineered habitat improvements ensure that the Pine on the Pick Bar will continue to grow and retain trout of bragging proportions.

The mountain portion of the ranch adjoins public land in the 2.5-million-acre San Juan National Forest, which makes for hunting opportunities for both mule deer and elk. Both species can often be seen on the ranch, especially when early snow pushes them to lower elevations.

Improvements on the ranch equip it to be an ideal equestrian site, including a classic red barn, 75x175 indoor riding arena and an outdoor arena. Wonderful riding opportunities are abundant on both the meadow and mountain sections of the ranch, and the climate is mild enough to keep horses year-round. Other recreational amenities on the ranch include dog kennel, private shooting range and a small bass pond.

An impressive gated entry leads to the Pick Bar Ranch headquarters, with its historic three-story home and wraparound porch. A second, newer home nearby allows ample room for ranch help, or can serve as a guest house and underground sprinkler system keeps the lovely grounds well-watered.

1008.9 ± $17,000,000 or offered at 254.65 ± - includes all improvements - $13,000,00 42

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Rare gems

A mazing

American Basin Views

-

L ake City, CO

Claiming the highest address in the lower 48 states this custom log home sits on 4.95 +/- acres located at the historical Tabasco Mill site on beautiful Cinnamon Pass, giving way to stunning 360 degree views of nature’s wonderland, including the famous American Basin and Handies Peak, all which is surrounded by BLM land. The 1472+/- square foot off the grid cabin has all the creature comforts you will need. The cabin is designed for maximizing the incredible views with two sets of french doors and a wall of windows near the top of the vaulted tongue and groove ceilings. On the main floor is the living space, kitchen, bath and two built in bunk-beds. The large loft hosts a beautiful sleeping area and office with stunning views. The cabin has a state of the art solar system which has been recently doubled in capacity. It also has a backup generator system for the entire cabin. The water purification system has UV treatment, on demand household pump and reverse osmosis system. Rounding out this incredible property is a viewing deck, storage shed and fire pit. The cabin will be sold with everything so all you have to do is bring your toothbrush. $599,000

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RARE GEMS

Tack Shed -

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L ake City, CO

The Tack Shed was once, literally, an equestrian “tack shed” built for the well-known Lakeview Resort on Lake San Cristobal.

The Tack Shed location is one of only three parcels of property in the area that has totally unobstructed views of the Sleeping Ute Mountain Range. This special location has provided enjoyment for thousands of guests over the years and is one of the most photographed places for families and friends in Lake City. Whether saddling up for a trail ride, watching the sun rise or set over the lake or taking a family video, lifelong memories have been made here over many years. The new owner has taken this captivating structure and location and created an absolute dream home with amazing views and privacy. From the custom kitchen and tiled baths to the detailed and meticulous design - exceptional has been the result.

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$649,000

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Rare gems

M agnificent

Mountain A crea ge

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L ake City, CO

The beautiful and versatile 10.96 Âą acres in a small subdivision just 20 minutes from Lake City has everything the ideal Colorado property should have: views, two private lakes full of fish, huge trees, level home sites with underground electric, phone and a well, all in a easily accessible location on a year-round county road. The property is on the Alpine Loop Back Country Byway and is close to public lands access for four-wheeling, hiking, fishing and more! $989,000

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RARE GEMS

L ake CityO verlook -

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L ake City, CO

This could be the vacation home location of your dreams. This property offers you 800 Âą feet of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, which provides exceptional private fishing. Big views of Round Top and Red Mountain can be seen from multiple vantage points and potential home sites along with breathtaking views of the canyon walls on the property. Feels like country living yet close to town. Easy access from Highway 149 and no covenants. The property has year round access and maintained roads. This is the ultimate property with river, views and privacy! Owner Financing. $1,400,000

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Rare gems

The Island-

L ake City, CO

The Island on Lake San Cristobal boasts a highly coveted home site which features unparalleled and unobstructed views of Colorado’s second largest natural lake. The 10.3 ± acre island has its own boat dock with four spaces, a beautifully constructed boat house with storage space, and wonderful lake fishing spots. Enjoy views from the other smaller islands or from the lighted steel cable bridge that connects the three pieces of land. A well is in place and underground electric to the property has recently been added. All this beauty is only minutes from the town of Lake City and its amenities. Great stream fishing is located just a half mile from the island as is a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities. $1,450,000

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M4 RANCH GROUP A Brand of Excellence W R I T T E N BY L OR I E A . WO ODWA R D OF L A N D M AGA Z I N E

B

rothers Dan and Michael Murphy, owners of M4 Ranch Group based in Lake City, Colorado, are leaving their mark—well, actually their brand—on Colorado ranch real estate. “ T h e Rocking M4 brand is way more than just a logo—it’s our family ranch brand,” Dan said. “It says a lot about who we are and what we do.”

It is a Murphy family tradition that when the children turn 18, they receive a belt buckle emblazoned with the Rocking M4 brand.

“When my dad handed my son Jake his family belt buckle on his 18th birthday, it was one of the proudest moments of my life,” Dan said.

“It was a symbolic statement of the honor and pride associated with our western history—and the responsibility to honor and uphold it as the next generation.”

“The Rocking M4 brand is way more than just a logo–it’s our family ranch brand”

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The M4 Ranch Group division has, after just three seasons in ranch sales, already risen to the top of Colorado land brokerages, selling roughly 100,000 acres in mountain ranches in 2017.

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An expectation of excellence that results from hard work is part of the family inheritance—and it’s not lost on the next generation. Jake, in a recent paper for a class at Western State University, where he, as a student athlete, is pursuing a double major in business and environmental sustainability while earning his real estate license, quoted his grandfather, “Work half a day—do whatever you want with the other 12 hours.”

“I got a kick out of the paper because it proves the family brand goes far beyond an identifying mark,” Dan said. “It is a statement of trust and excellence.”

In hindsight, the family brand seems obvious as the choice for the ranch division’s logo, but it was selected after extensive research and an outside evaluation of the team’s strengths and identity.

“After all of the time, money and research, the most descriptive and meaningful name for the ranch division had been right in front of us,” Dan said.

Because it carries so much meaning, applying the brand to their business is not a responsibility the brothers take lightly.

Michael said, “Our name and our history is on this company, so we strive to be the best we can be in every aspect of this business. We never forget that M4 Ranch Group directly reflects on our family’s legacy.”

T h e ancestors have reason to be proud. Team Murphy, the parent company, has been a driving force in recreational real estate for decades. The M4 Ranch Group division has, after just three seasons in ranch sales, already risen to the top of Colorado land brokerages, selling roughly 100,000 acres in mountain ranches in 2017.

deep roots in Colorado over the past 40 years, can trace their ancestry back to the settling of the western frontier. The Murphy’s are direct descendants of Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second President of the Republic of Texas, best known for trading off the western Colorado Rockies in 1850 to help retire the then-republic’s debt.

“Our family has been trading in the Mountain West for more than 170 years,” Michael joked.

Despite the constant joking and laughter,

“Our name and our history is on this company, so we strive to be the best we can be in every aspect of this business. We never forget that M4 Ranch Group directly reflects on our family’s legacy.”

The M4 Brand of Business

The family, who has put down

the brothers take their business very seriously.

Neither likes to lose.

Their highly competitive natures don’t cause problems in the office because they’re tempered by an inherent belief in fair dealing with each other as well as team members, clients and colleagues. Plus, they have an abiding respect for the different skill sets each of them developed in the years they worked apart.

Dan built his first career on his passion for the outdoors; few things in life meant more than being in the field where his respect for nature and the role of man’s stewardship grew.

“I spent at least a hundred nights a year sleeping in a sleeping bag, for more than 20 years,” he said.

As he was preparing to depart for Africa to finish school, he met Michelle DePinto, a ballerina who lived in Denver. After a long distance relationship, she traded in her pointe shoes and urban existence for a life off the beaten path as the “best partner a man could find.”

Under the banner of MMLO Outfitting, they owned and operated an outfitting business that took clients in pursuit of the West’s top big game in the back country of Colorado, Alaska and Montana.

To succeed as an outfitter, he not only had to master the art of hospitality and client relations, but also the natural history and behavior of big game, federal and state regulations, habitat management and the principles of business.

In the meantime, Michael took his passion for the outdoors in a different direction, turning his attention to the land’s bounty as a classically trained French chef.

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“I love anything to do with food—hunting it, catching it, preparing it,” he said.

Eventually, though, he left the kitchen for the beverage business. He helped grow the American Beverage Company in San Antonio from a small upstart company to a major distributor that counted 70 percent of Texas as its territory.

Then he returned to Colorado, where he was on the leading edge of the craft brewery movement as part of New Belgium Brewing. As part of that team, Michael opened a Southwestern sales territory for the brewery’s products, including Fat Tire, and further refined his marketing chops in an emerging industry, knowledge that he now applies to rural real estate.

Both brothers were carving out their places at the top of their respective fields when Dan recognized that the outfitting business kept him away from Michelle and their young children too much for his taste. After 20 years in the outfitting business, Dan and Michelle decided to fold the tents at the peak of that career.

The M4 Brand of Real Estate

Believing that the Mountain West real estate industry would provide an ideal environment for their work ethic, knowledge of the outdoors, and vast network, Dan and Michelle launched Team Murphy Realty.

“We like to call Michelle the ‘Closer,’” Dan said, pointing out that she gives the team a focal point of concentration and, with a Master’s degree in Business and Marketing, has the ability to bring the “high-flying, bigpicture goals into a grounded, getthe-details-done perspective.”

They enlisted the expertise of the immediate family. Parents, Tom and Midge Murphy, lend their talents to the team.

“Our dad is an exceptional businessman and has trained us since we were in diapers—and no one can make people feel more welcome than our mother,” Dan said.

Michael and his wife Sandy succumbed to the call of the wild— and of the family.

“When the family decided to get into the real estate industry, I wanted to be

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part of it,” he said.

Michael brought with him marketing and business networking acumen as well as a passion for the West’s live water and anything that swims in it. Sandy, who is a paralegal, ensures that the flood of paperwork flow smoothly, so transactions are completed as efficiently as possible.

In addition to the immediate family, the real estate family includes 10 associates divided between offices in Lake City, Pagosa Springs and South Fork.

“Everybody in this company is family, either by blood or by choice, so there’s never any question that everyone is giving 100 percent,” Michael said. “Our goal is simple: Efficiency achieved by great people with great knowledge and work ethics.”

The shared commitment and unique office dynamic gives Michael and Dan the freedom to roam.

“Ranch real estate gives us a chance to experience incredibly spectacular land just as I did as an outfitter,” Dan said.

From February through October this year, they collectively logged more than 70,000 miles exploring and showing ranches—and the odometer is still turning.

“Our goal from the outset was to be the best informed brokers in Colorado and northern New Mexico,” Michael said. “We work hard to acquire personal, first-hand knowledge of all of the ranches in the marketplace.”

The M4 Brand of Life

Lake City, which serves as the hub of Team Murphy Realty and M4 Ranch Group, has 400 residents and is the only town in Hinsdale County, the nation’s most remote county.

The town is situated in a valley deep in the San Juan Mountains at the base of five 14,000-foot peaks. Lake City also has more Fortune 500 CEOs per capita than any other town in the country.

“They call this place home because this area is not about what you have, but more about what elk you harvest or the fly used to land the latest trout,” Dan said laughing.

Once, Dan was helping a neighbor—a hell-bent-for-leather oldtimer—drive cattle. They were joined by one of these CEOs, whose company refines about two-thirds of the oil in the U.S. He had parked his Gulfstream III at the airport and driven his 1979 Ford pickup to the cattle drive.

According to Dan, the CEO’s cowboying skills favorably impressed the veteran cowhand, who said to the CEO, “You need some cash? You could probably make some decent money with day work around here.”

The CEO responded, “I’m doing ok on cash.”

The story resonates with Dan and Michael not only because it is par for the course but it reinforces their parents’ teachings to treat every “book” respectfully regardless of its “cover.” The Golden Rule is one of the family’s core values that is also at the heart of the company.

“We’re real people living in the best part of the U.S., living what we do—and what we believe,” Michael said. “Obviously we’re in the real estate business, but from our perspective we’re really in the relationship business.”

The M4 Brand of Marketing

M4 attributes a great deal of their success to an aggressive marketing strategy. They utilize the most cutting-edge technology and a variety of deep integrated digital marketing tactics, in addition to proven and established print media, including two in-house magazines featuring the full scope of their listings, and national impact print marketing. They also regularly attend gatherings of a wide variety of organizations such as the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association because they “want to know everyone connected with land through livestock and wildlife.”

The brothers take great pleasure in really getting to know people outside of their offices. Relationships thrive and understanding grows when people get away from the constant pinging of cell phones and out of the relentless reach of email.

To that end, they employ—and enjoy— their “handshake” marketing initiative. The Murphy’s put current and prospective clients in the field for local events: floating the Rio Grande River during the famous salmon fly hatch during M4’s Wild Trout Week or riding the Rockies horseback on the 100mile annual Roundup Ride. They also sponsor and guide hunts for one of their favorite charities, the Colors of Heroes hunts celebrating the sacrifices of our veterans.

“Our goal is not just selling the ranches we are blessed to work on, but building something bigger and longer lasting than a closing,” Dan said.

“Everybody in this company is family, either by blood or by choice, so there’s never any question that everyone is giving 100 percent“

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The M4 Brand of Stewardship The Murphy’s love of people and wildlife has inspired the brothers to be heavily involved in protecting the western lifestyle.

“Generally, most land is managed better privately than publicly due to the landowners’ passion, finances and ability to make and carry out a decision,” Dan said. “The private, long-term commitment to manage for the most diversity is far beyond most government agency’s desires or capabilities.”

The brothers characterize their philosophy as “cowboy conservatism” noting that their first line of defense for the western lifestyle is firsthand knowledge gained through leadership at the local and state levels.

Dan is currently serving on the Upper Gunnison Water Advisory Group, the Sportsman’s Round Table and its advisory committee to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department.

He previously served on the Big Game License Application, Big Game Allocation Program, the Colorado Wildlife Federation and the Hinsdale Planning Commission. Michael served as a Lake City Town Trustee, Chairman of the Hinsdale County/Town of Lake City Marketing Committee, and currently sits on the advisory committee for both the Agricultural and Public Lands and the Neutral Resources, as well as representing Hinsdale County on the Club 20 Board of Directors.

“Being on the front lines of emerging issues helps us help landowners,” Michael said. “We have insight into the debates, the regulations, the concerns and the challenges because we’re engaged in the process.”

One of the team’s most important duties is “match making.”

The team excels at identifying the right property for the right buyers—and helping the new owners see what the property can become with good stewardship.

“Our job is to understand a property,” Dan said.

The M4 Ranch Group relies on cutting-edge technology in all aspects of the business, including their own 3D virtual camera, drone filming and editing department to showcase the height, depth, breadth and nuances of each property.

The Murphy’s’ goal is to give potential buyers a true sense of a ranch before they ever tour it. Once boots are on the ground, the brothers use their experience and expansive network of restoration and preservation professionals to help

the potential owners see what the land can be rather than simply what it is. For instance, if a ranch has a degraded stream, the brothers help the client understand what it will take to restore it to a healthy, productive fishery.

“We’re the concierges of conservation,” Michael said, noting they introduce landowners to some of the best conservation practitioners in their respective fields.

Together, they’ve prompted the restoration of miles upon miles of streams and thousands of acres of habitat. This has helped greatly increase the value of numerous ranches while greatly increasing the volume of habitat Colorado’s wildlife depends on.

To keep space open in the west, the intrinsic value of undeveloped land has to be recognized, they believe.

“Habitat has value from an ecological and emotional standpoint as well as a financial one,” Dan said.

To be clear, conservation work is not an income stream for the business, but a passion.

“What makes us proudest is sharing what we’ve helped conserve with generations to come,” Dan said. When we’ve helped build legacy ranches that families can convey to their children or when we see a kid reel in a big brown or a cutthroat on a fly while fishing an enhanced stream, the circle is complete. We’ve passed forward what’s important to us.”

He continued, “Our family and team understand that we’re on this earth for a limited amount of time and it’s about leaving this place better than we found it. For us, that means creating a legacy through relationships and conservation.”

“Our family and team understand that we’re on this earth for a limited amount of time and it’s about leaving this place better than we found it. For us, that means creating a legacy through relationships and conservation.”

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Gunnison , CO

This exquisite 4 bedroom, 4 bath cabin located in Blue Mesa Estates is a true gem located in the heart of Colorado. Sitting on 10± acres with a private gated entrance, this 4,133± sq. ft. home is full of luxurious amenities and borders public land. Stunning floor to ceiling windows in living area allow for spectacular views of the West Elk Mountain Range. A floor to ceiling fireplace sets as a beautiful centerpiece for warm family nights. The gourmet kitchen has center island and custom cabinets. Tongue and groove pine ceilings are found throughout the home, as well as beautiful slate and hardwood floors. The upstairs has a huge game room that overlooks the living area is accented by a custom wrought iron railing. There are three additional bedrooms located upstairs. The master bedroom is on the main level with impressive on-suite featuring jetted tub and slate shower. The master also has a custom wood-burning fireplace. There is a screened in porch off the dining/living area with trex decking and views of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. The property also includes a carport and 1,074± sq. foot three car garage.

Luxury Estates

M ountain Chateau -

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$875,000

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Luxury estates

S t e e l Pa r k S k y l i n e C a b i n -

L ake City, CO

Located just outside of the mountain town of Lake City, Colorado. The cabin overlooks the Lake Fork Valley and the protected 103,000± acres of the Big Blue Uncompahgre Wilderness area. Sitting on its own 42.73± acres this off-grid 2,067± square foot D-Log cabin gives you privacy with the convenience of being close to amenities. The cabin offers 3 bedrooms, 3 baths with open plan living, tongue & groove ceilings, granite countertops, pine floors, main floor master, and a finished walk-out basement. A detached 775± sq. ft. garage, wood burning hot tub and several decks complete this off-grid beauty. With its many decks and large windows, you can take in the views of Crystal Peak, Red Mountain and Silver Mountain not to mention some of the best sunsets and dark skies for star gazing. The property is in GMU 66, giving you direct access into one of the top elk migration routes and backs into public lands, giving endless possibilities for adventure.

$995,000

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R iver Front R etreat-

South Fork , CO

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This stunning home is situated on 14.98 ¹ acres, on a private stretch of the Rio Grande River! Step into the main entrance through a massive hand carved door into the living area with floor to ceiling windows to afford the magnificent views of the river and mountains. The entire main floor is situated with a magnificent two story high river rock fireplace centered in the middle of all of the main rooms and as the focal point. The main floor has two large guest bedrooms, each with its own outside access, and a large guest bathroom. The gourmet kitchen features ceramic tile throughout the counter tops, top of the line Viking appliances, including a commercial sized side by side refrigerator/freezer, 10 burner propane stove, double ovens and griddle top. The butler’s pantry includes ample room for food storage, a large utility sink, and a 3/4 bath shower, and washer and dryer. There is a guest half bath between the living area and the kitchen, a conversation area that is conveniently located to the side of the kitchen which then opens into a formal dining and wet bar area. The second floor is home to the master suite that has an office area, private deck overlooking the river, a gas log fireplace, oversized walk in closet with a large lighted vanity area, bathroom with oversized walk in shower, and hand painted sinks. There is a guest apartment located over a separate two car garage/shop, which is another home unto itself. The two homes are built around a wonderful pond and many trees while the main home also backs up to the river itself, affording peace and quiet in the privacy of your small acreage.

$1,199,000

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H idden R iver Home -

L ake City, CO

Hidden just off of the highway and perched above the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River is a stunning home on 5.37 ± acres with 900 ± feet of river frontage. At 6,460± sq. ft. with six bedrooms and five and a half baths, there is plenty of room for family and friends. Upon walking in the front door, the large living area greets guests with a two story stone fireplace. The open living area leads to the beautiful kitchen, complete with river rock accents, large island, plenty of storage and rustic style tin ceiling. Adjacent to the kitchen is the dining area with large windows, perfect for enjoying the views while enjoying a meal. Also on the main floor is a spacious master suite with deck access and luxurious bathroom. Local mountain scenes adorn the large walk in shower’s sandblasted glass and the large walk-in closet boasts lots of storage. As luxurious as the main living floor is, the basement level offers its own type of luxury combined with comfortable living. Its master bedroom offers deck access and features four built-in bunk beds. The large game room and bar create a great atmosphere for entertaining or relaxing. Also on the walk-out basement level are an exercise room, large mud room, laundry room, guest bathroom and large, heated 2 car garage. The third floor is home to four bedrooms, two baths and a loft. The 3,000 ± sq. ft. deck and impeccably manicured lawn create additional opportunities for entertaining or just taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and river.

$1,300,000

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Creede, CO

This breathtaking log home is detailed with every comfort of luxurious living, making it easy to sit back, relax, and take in the huge views out every window. Main floor is home to the sun room, grand dining room, custom designed kitchen, guest bed and bath, and lofted sitting room--all extensions off a spacious open living space with two floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces and hardwood floors. The lower level includes master bed and bath, additional stone fireplace, den with builtin bookshelves and surround sound, laundry room, exercise room, and over-size garage. Large stone patio, outdoor fireplace, and wraparound porches all work to double your available living space in the warmer months. Let your guests relax in luxury in the detached guest home housed above 3-car garage and greenhouse. Guest space is complete with full kitchen, large bed and bath, wood stove, billiards table, slate entryway, and large windows. All this with unbelievable views of Bristol Head and the Rio Grande in every direction, and conveniently located between Creede and Lake City.

$1,495,000

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L o g M a s t e r p i e c e o n t h e R i v e r - L ake City,CO Sitting on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, this magnificent 3,129± sq. ft. log home offers luxurious living both inside and out. The main floor living area has flagstone floors features an open kitchen and dining area and large living area, complete with an eye-catching floor to ceiling stone fireplace. The large windows and skylights create a bright and airy atmosphere that is great for entertaining or just enjoying the views. The main floor master suite looks out onto the river and impeccably manicured lawn. In addition, there is also a guest bedroom, laundry room and a half bath on the main floor. Upstairs, a small loft connects the additional master suite with its private balcony overlooking the river and grounds. An additional large guest room with private bath finishes the second level. A large porch that is partially covered wraps around the home and is a great place to enjoy the sounds of the river. During the warmer months, guests will appreciate the built-in fire pit and covered picnic area, or they can try their hand at fishing from the hot tub located at the water’s edge. The guest quarters above the detached oversized two car garage are a wonderful addition for added privacy. There is also another 1 car garage/workshop for your Colorado toys or added storage. This haven on the river is accessible year-round.

$1,895,000

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L ake City, CO

The Live Water Ranch on the Lake Fork River is comprised of 32.11± acres including 1,319± feet of enhanced private river frontage. The enhanced river produces some of the West’s top high mountain fisheries, an angler’s dream. The ranch hosts a beautiful 2,603± sq. ft. main log cabin with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, offering 2 master suites. The large family room overlooks the river and flows into the formal living with a large river rock fireplace, kitchen, and dining giving lots of space for entertaining. The log cabin has an abundance of large windows bringing tons of natural light and those amazing mountain views and river sounds in. The log cabin also has an attached two car garage.

A large deck is located off the main entrance and another off the second-floor bedroom. Off the lower deck is a stamped flagstone concrete entertaining patio with outdoor kitchen and stone fireplace, capped off with soothing sounds of the river and captivating views of the surrounding mountains giving you an outstanding outdoor entertaining experience.

The ranch offers a detached 3 car garage with a guest bunkhouse above. The garage houses 4 Polaris razors, which come with the sale of the ranch, for enjoying the famous Alpine loop, numerous ghost towns, and thousands of acres of public land. The bunkhouse sleeps 7 has a full kitchen and bathroom with 2 showers, small deck, and a lounging area.

$2,900,000

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G ateway R anch-

Powderhorn, CO

Gateway Ranch consists of almost 42 acres of meadow and riparian woodlands adjoining the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, at an elevation of 8000 feet. Approximately half of the acreage is an irrigated meadow suitable for hay and/or grazing horses or cattle. Water rights on the ranch are quite senior in appropriation and easily meet the needs of irrigation.

The main ranch house was built in 2010 and overlooks the river. It features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a lovely screened porch for relaxing in the clean mountain air. The home’s great room features high, open-beamed ceilings and a memorable stone fireplace. A gourmet kitchen and dining area accommodates plenty of hungry anglers after a day on the river. There’s also plenty of room for family and guests with the nearby 1200±-square foot guest house, with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Both homes are meticulously and tastefully decorated throughout and are situated to maximize the incredible mountain views.

$2,995,000

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Luxury estates

5 Star-

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Westcliffe, CO

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Five Star Ranch’s property is exceptional which Includes a 71.6± deeded acres and 490± acres of leased State Land, the ranch is situated at about 8000 feet in southern Colorado’s Wet Mountain Valley, considered by many to be one of Colorado’s most scenic undiscovered locations.

The 500+ acres controlled by the ranch is a mix of grassy meadows, rugged rock outcroppings and a mature forest estimated to contain 30,000 ponderosa pines.

Five Star Ranch is exceptional in the artistry and architecture of its award-winning lodge-like ranch house. Featured as Timber Home Living’s “Home of the Year” in 2009, this custom-designed timber frame home is 10,292 square feet of unmatched mountain luxury. Its lodge-like feel begins with its unique 42-foot arched canopy marking its main entrance. This entrance leads to a vast great room with 22-foot high ceilings with a walk-around natural stone fireplace, large dining area and a kitchen equipped with high-end appliances. Over all this space spreads a vaulted, open beam ceiling that completes the blend of rustic/ modern styling that captures the best of the surrounding environment. Infloor heating throughout keeps the main house very comfortable twelve months of the year.

A master suite is accessed off of the great room, which includes its own fireplace. Completing the main level is a five car garage. Upstairs via an open spiral staircase lies a reading room and a unique observation room that creates a space that captures 360 degrees of mountain views. The lower level of the main house is 4130 square feet, fully finished, and has a private office, gym and full bathroom.

A short hike into the woods leads to a refurbished rustic cabin, perfect for star gazing. Two large metal shops with overhead garage doors complete the improvements at Five Star Ranch and allow plenty of work space for vehicles and other equipment.

$4,900,000

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A R A NCH W I T H I N R E AC H

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n today’s world, with fewer and fewer large western parcels available, a large, quality ranch can exceed even the most affluent buyer’s budget. An ideal solution for many, then, is a ranch community. Ranch communities can be found throughout the mountain west in which shared ownership can be had for a fraction of the cost of a stand-alone, single-owner property. Ranch communities deliver collectively what few can afford individually: owning a piece of the western lifestyle, including a home with a mountain stream as a front yard and a mountain range as a backyard.

WRITTEN BY DAN MURPHY—OWNER/BROKER OF M4 RANCH GROUP AND LYNN LAMPERT

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Ranch communities can be an attractive option for people who want to spend less time, less money, and less commitment on upkeep and more time enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends. The many benefits of shared cost among ranch community owners include preserving the surrounding ranch lands, maintaining healthy meadows, fisheries and wildlife habitat, ensuring established access, and providing for caretaker needs. Owners can simply reap the benefits of ranch living (jump in the jeep, head to the ski hill, grab the fly rod and fish) instead of being consumed with ranch maintenance details.

As part of a ranch community, you can live on a premium piece of property without paying a premium price.

horseback riding is available on the ranch itself and the adjacent Gunnison National Forest. The ranch maintains 2600± acres as a common primitive area open to hunting, horseback riding and hiking. Two wilderness cabins are available in this area, available by reservation to property owners.

Eagle Ridge Ranch, north of Gunnison, Colorado, is a prime example of a thriving Ranch Community that maintains a cherished agricultural tradition along with an equally strong commitment to conservation and recreation. Eagle Ridge Ranch is 4900± deeded acres sweeping across the fertile Ohio Creek Valley only 8 miles north of the university town of Gunnison.

Operated for decades as a productive cattle and hay ranch, the property is now shared by 15 families who seek to steward the ranch for the maintenance of profitable agriculture, land conservation and enhancement of wildlife values.

Beyond the ranch proper, nearby outdoor recreational opportunities are nearly endless. The adjacent West Elk Wilderness is home to a huge herd of elk and miles of hiking or horseback riding on its network of trails. World-class river fishing is available only a few miles away on the Gunnison and Taylor Rivers, and Blue Mesa Reservoir offers boating and trolling for lake trout in excess of 50 pounds. Mountain biking is popular throughout the Gunnison Basin, especially in the nearby 6000-acre Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. In the winter, downhill skiing and snowmobiling are about 45 minutes away in Crested Butte, and ice fishing is superb on Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Situated at elevations of approximately 8000 to 9800 feet, the ranch encompasses rich hay meadow and cottonwood bottomland in its lower reaches, bordered by rolling sagebrush hills and groves of aspen and spruce at higher elevations. Unspoiled views throughout the ranch are far-reaching and include the remote West Elk Mountains to the west, the rugged Anthracite Range to the north and flattopped Red Mountain to the east.

Amenities available to all owners in the Eagle Ridge Ranch community are many and varied. Horse lovers will especially appreciate the Equestrian Center with its barn, stables and corrals. A lifetime of

Anglers will cherish the private trout fishing on the 3± miles of Ohio Creek that wind through the heart of ranch. This 20-foot wide stream is a major tributary of the Gunnison River, and holds fat brown and rainbow trout, some in the 16- to 20-inch class. Many carefully-engineered structures maximize prime trout habitat, and the stream is a particular delight for dry fly fishing.

As a pioneer in the Common Ranch Community concept, Eagle Ridge Ranch has a proven track record of preserving the best of the West’s agricultural heritage while allowing for self-limited development of caring landowners committed to common conservation values. If joining such a visionary community is appealing to you, contact us at M4 Ranch Group soon. We think that Common Ranch Communities are the smart development wave of the future, and at Eagle Ridge Ranch you can ride

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RANCH COMMUNITIES SHARED RANCH COMMUNITIES

C e bolla River R anch

Fishing C lub -

Powderhorn, CO

Cebolla Club is a legend among the Colorado fishing communities with limited building and unlimited streams. Some call this portion of the Cebolla River “The Oasis,” and it becomes obvious why when entering the fishing club from the high bluffs and timbered ridges. The brilliant green of the river bottom shimmers against the high canyon walls and sage covered hillsides.

Cebolla Club offers one of the best fishing values in the trout fishing region. With over 6 miles of differing habitat, you can fish nymphs in fast, tight canyons or drag streamers in meandering ox bows. Native brown trout and rainbows fill the stream for your fly-fishing delight. The unique location of this “Oasis” is conveniently located 40 minutes from Lake City and Gunnison, Colorado. The membership includes a common club house, a full time caretaker and amazing river fishing.

Family Legacy is the best description of Cebolla River Ranches; many of the founding families still proudly call this their private getaway. Seldom do you find a fishing property that is so tranquil and has such dynamic recreation.

Ranch H-6: Full Family Membership - $595,000 Includes a riverfront deeded 35 acre buildable parcel

SOLD Ranch H-5:

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1/3 Family Membership - $150,000

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E a g l e R i d g e R a n c h - Gunnison, CO

Ever since Joseph M. White trailed the first herd of cattle into the broad Gunnison Valley in 1871, the area has enjoyed a fabled reputation for some of the finest ranchland in the state. Today, Eagle Ridge Ranch, a Shared Ranch Community north of Gunnison, maintains that cherished agricultural tradition, along with an equally strong commitment to conservation and recreation. The net result is a unique development perfectly suited to the Gunnison Country lifestyle for generations to come.

The Eagle Ridge Ranch is 4,900± deeded acres sweeping across the fertile Ohio Creek Valley only 8 miles north of the university town of Gunnison, Colorado. Operated for decades as a productive cattle and hay ranch, the property is now shared by 15 families who seek to steward the ranch for the maintenance of profitable agriculture, land conservation and enhancement of wildlife values.

Situated at elevations of approximately 8000 to 9800 feet, the ranch encompasses rich hay meadow and cottonwood bottomland in its lower reaches, bordered by rolling sagebrush hills and groves of aspen and spruce at higher elevations. Unspoiled views throughout the ranch are farreaching and include the remote West Elk Mountains to the west, the rugged Anthracite Range to the north and Flat Top and Red Mountains to the east.

Amenities available to all owners in the Eagle Ridge Ranch community are many and varied. Horse lovers will especially appreciate the Equestrian Center with its barn, stables and corrals.

A lifetime of horseback riding is available on the ranch itself and the adjacent Gunnison National Forest. The ranch maintains 2600± acres as a common primitive area open to hunting, horseback riding and hiking. Two wilderness cabins are available in this area, available by reservation to property owners.

Anglers will cherish the private trout fishing on the 3± miles

of Ohio Creek that wind through the heart of ranch. This 20-foot wide stream is a major tributary of the Gunnison River, and holds fat brown and rainbow trout, some in the 16- to 20-inch class. Many carefully-engineered structures maximize prime trout habitat, and the stream is a particular delight for dry fly fishing.

Beyond the ranch property, nearby outdoor recreational opportunities are nearly endless. The adjacent West Elk Wilderness is home to a huge herd of elk and miles of hiking or horseback riding on its network of trails. World-class river fishing is available only a few miles away on the Gunnison and Taylor Rivers, and Blue Mesa Reservoir offers boating and trolling for lake trout in excess of 50 pounds. Mountain biking is popular throughout the Gunnison

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Basin, especially in the nearby 6000-acre Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. In the winter, downhill skiing and snowmobiling are about 45 minutes away in Crested Butte, and ice fishing is superb on Blue Mesa Reservoir.

As a pioneer in the Shared Ranch Community concept, Eagle Ridge Ranch has a proven track record of preserving the best of the West’s agricultural heritage while allowing for self-limited development of caring landowners committed to common conservation values. If joining such a visionary community is appealing to you, contact us at M4 Ranch Group soon. We think that Shared Ranch Communities are the smart development wave of the future, and at Eagle Ridge Ranch you can ride that wave today.

E a g l e R i d g e R a n c h A c r e a g e - Gunnison, CO 35.20± Acres, Located in Eagle Ridge Ranch which is a 4,900 Acre Shared Ranch Community This property has the utilities to Lot Line and the driveway is in place. $635,000

M4R A NCHGROUP.com

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SHARED RANCH COMMUNITIES

The Meadows at Eagle Ridge R anch

A spectacular 6,681± square-foot home that is ideal for guests and family. This roomy, natural wood-floored home makes the most of its high-country setting. The centerpiece of this home is an open beam Great Room that is bathed in light and offers lovely views of the rugged Anthracite Range at the head of the valley. A large natural stone fireplace highlights one side of this room, and a spacious kitchen with granite counters, the other. An inviting dining area easily accommodates 14 to 16 persons.

A total of six bedrooms and six baths are distributed among the main home and attached guest house, making The Meadows an ideal location for large family gatherings or an abundance of guests. With many attractive seating areas, inside and out, The Meadows is custom made for relaxed socializing. A three-car garage is attached to the home, and a separate 1734± square foot horse barn/shop with workbench room includes well-lighted and insulated space for storage, cars, OHVs, tractors and room for two horse stalls.

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SHARED RANCH COMMUNITIES

C asa Tres Unos a t E a g l e R i d g e R a n c h

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Casa Tres Unos at Eagle Ridge Ranch is a 6,468± square foot ranch house on 35.2 deeded acres within the Shared Ranch Community. Completed in 2009, it is of environmentally-friendly and efficient straw bale construction and features six bedrooms, five baths and a workout room. The custom kitchen holds a wood pizza oven and its main room is centered on an impressive fireplace. Finally, the home is graced with a three-car garage, 28x40-foot toy barn and an 800± square foot basement that includes wine storage. Whether as a second home, weekend retreat or primary residence, this beautifully-finished custom home shines.

$3,950,000

M4R A NCHGROUP.com

(970) 944–4444 | INFO@M4R ANCHGROUP.COM

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SHARED RANCH COMMUNITIES

H i d d e n Va l l e y M o u n t a i n E s c a p e -

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Pagosa Springs CO

(970) 944–4444 | INFO@M4R ANCHGROUP.COM

Considered by many to be the jewel of Hidden Valley Ranch, this coveted 52-acre estate, tucked in among towering ponderosa pines, stands sentinel above Hidden Valley Lake amid expansive Colorado Rocky Mountain views that will take your breath away. The estate’s inspired hilltop residences, featuring all-timber frame and accented with native rock, are built in harmony with the natural beauty of the forested setting, and include a 5,067-sq.-ft., 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home; a 2,365-sq.-ft., 2-bedroom, 2-bath guest home; and a caretaker’s studio apartment located above a separate 3-car garage. The well-planned design of this spectacular jewel maximizes indoor and outdoor living with large gathering places as well as intimate rooms, making this estate equally suited to becoming your primary residence or second-home retreat.

The shared gated ranch community is made up of 35 exclusive home sites, of 35 to 55 acres each, situated on more than 1,630± pristine acres, approximately 300 of which are devoted to common area. The community offers private equestrian facilities, miles of riding and hiking trails, wildlife viewing and a 55-acre private lake with a boat dock for small water craft. Hidden Valley Lake, the community’s focal point, provides fly-fishing opportunities with a developed fish habitat for Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Snake River Cutthroats.

SHARED RANCH COMMUNITIES

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$6,546,000

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Western Ranch Big Game Licenses WRITTEN BY DAN MURPHY—OWNER/BROKER OF M4 RANCH GROUP

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he West offers so many extraordinary things, from big peaks to big views to the exceptional big game. If you are interested in buying a western ranch with a goal of enjoying quality big game hunting, you need to understand how each western state regulates private land owner hunting opportunities.

First look at size of the ranch, terrain, bedding, grazing, herd migration, and elevations. Is it large enough to control migration routes of the regions herds? Does the herd on the ranch you’re buying live on deeded ground for the bulk of the hunting seasons? Ranches that hold regional herds are considered ‘sanctuary ranches’ and are few and far between. ‘Sanctuary ranches’ typically have large deeded acreage and are represented by an equally significant price tag.

The west still offers many quality hunting ranches that do not control the herd for the bulk of the hunting season. When researching these ranches it is crucial to concentrate on the state’s Game Management Units (GMU’s) or wildlife management area plan.

Western states offer a wide variety of private land owner participation for acquiring big game licenses. Each state also manages different areas for specific big game management criteria.

These management types are typically designed for three basic goals, quality herds, quality experience or high opportunity participation.

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The high opportunity participation (Open Units) plan in GMU’s or wildlife areas concentrate on heavy hunter participation, providing more opportunity for more hunters. However, characteristically these types of GMU’s typically produce a lesser herd quality with fewer mature animals.

Other areas in the western states managed for quality herds or quality experience, are typically more limited or draw tag hunting units. These areas see fewer hunter numbers, therefor statistically higher ratios of males to females as well as more mature animals. For many, this leads to a higher quality hunting experience.

If researching a ranch in a more limited GMU or area, you should determine the herd counts, sex ratios and herd compositions of that unit. These issues are a critical part to determining the quality of the unit. Once you have found a quality ranch in a quality unit you then have a few options for acquiring land owner big game tags. If you are a non-resident Ranch owner and wish to acquire tags for these quality managed units, you basically have two options: Option 1: Participate in the states limited drawing systems as an individual, each western state provides a variety of processes, some use preference point systems, some use a weighted draw system, some use a pay to play option, some are just luck.

Option 2: Learn your states Land Owner Draw system.

These Land Owner License systems vary from state to state just as the private hunter draw system vary from state to state. Each state offers some sort of land owner participation, some states favor the land owner, some don’t, having a better understanding of these programs, the qualifications and the processes to register your ranch, apply for tags and working within the rules of the state’s system are imperative.

For example: New Mexico manages the state under an E-Plus program built on two criteria, one is ranches within the C.O.E.R. or Core Occupied Elk Range and those ranches located outside the C.O.E.R. areas. The ranches in the C.O.E.R area can provide both private land only big game certificates and unit wide certificates. This is

a HUGE factor in using the neighboring wilderness areas and neighboring public lands in addition to your ranch for quality hunting. If you are buying a large and secure ranch but it is not a ranch that controls the whole herd during the whole season, then these types of unit wide tags are a monumental benefit to your ranch. If your ranch is outside the C.O.E.R. area the land owner tags are predominately private land only tags. If you border public lands with exceptional habitat and herds, you cannot use your land owner preference to hunt outside your deeded ground.

In Colorado the Land Owner System is very different, Colorado’s LPP (Landowner Preference Program) is based on ranches that are greater than 160 consecutive acres.

These properties must be designated for agriculture use, providing habitat for the species of wildlife for more than six months and one day a year. These qualifying ranches are also subject to inspection by the local Division of Wildlife Manager or DWM’s to verify your ranch can and does qualify. Once you are in the Colorado LPP program your ranch applies individually to acquire tags issued in each unit. For the mountain regions of Colorado the land owner set aside tags represent 10 percent of the total tags issued in any given unit. The more limited the unit the better the game the fewer the tags. Each ranch, depending on its size, gets a number of 1st choice applications for each big game species that resides on the land. The Colorado system, like every other state, is not perfect but it does work off the preference point system which allows your ranch to know statistically when it will draw a very high demand premier big game tag.

Each state offers some type of ranch participation when it comes to big game hunting. It is important to remember each state highly encourages or even requires public hunters have access to hunt your private deeded ground through the use of Land Owner Participation big game tags. Once again the most important factor is to learn your state regulations, your prospective areas herd health, and the draw system. Or you can seek out an experienced ranch broker that works to better understand the nuances of each ranch, its area and why that particular ranch meets your end goals. M4 Ranch Group is one of those Western Ranch Companies that concentrates its efforts on understanding these key issues and understanding what it means to “Experience the West”.

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Lake City Office

Pagosa Springs Office

South Fork Office

201 Gunnison Ave Lake City, CO 81235

1100 CR 200 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

29919 W US Hwy 160 South Fork, CO 81154

970-944-5050

970-264-5051

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Team Murphy Realty LLC. and its affiliates makes no representation or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information, text, property boundaries, graphics links or other items contained in any Web Site, print, or otherwise linked to this publication.

719-873-5050