FAQ
GOT QUESTIONS?
Find answers to the most popular questions about the M Ranch Sauna below.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
The M Ranch Sauna is located in Stallion Springs, California. A hidden gem nestled in the gentle mountains 20 minutes west of Tehachapi and HWY 58. For specific details view our directions page.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Our sauna service includes the following:
- 90-Minute service
- Access to the sauna
- Changing room
- Towels
- Indoor or outdoor shower
- Soap and shampoo
- Water and snacks*
*Additional beverages and snacks may be provided but will vary each time.
WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE?
Attending sauna service is very similar to spa service, you'll want to prepare the following:
- Clean clothes
- Towels
- Sandles or flip flops (that can get wet)
- Any personal bath items (soap, shampoo, etc)
- Cash for additional items and tips
We will have towels available along with water and refreshments during your stay. More importantly, you want to make sure you are well hydrated and drinking plenty of water before and after your sauna experience as you will sweat a lot!
WHAT'S THE BEST TIME?
Anytime for a sauna is a good time. However, if it's a clear day then the sunset can make for a magical time that enhances your sauna experience. For optimal sunset timing, we suggest arriving about 1-hour before the sunset time.
Here is the current weather along with sunrise and sunset times for today, plan your visit accordingly.
Check the 10-day weather forecast here .
View our sunset photos here.
what are your covid safety guidelines?
In response to the global pandemic, we have developed a COVID-19 safety policy. Safety is paramount, and we will only host our services if we believe they can take place with a reasonable level of safety for everyone involved.
SAFE WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS?
If you have medical conditions or are taking medicine it is recommended to consult your doctor or physician about having a sauna experience before booking your time.
HOW DO YOU TAKE SAUNA?
The process of taking sauna is very simple. Before you can enter you want to shower and clean off, then enter the sauna with only a towel and sit at the highest level you feel comfortable. You want to allow your body to warm up and sweat. Pour a little bit of water on the rocks to create löyly steam and heat. The average session is about 10-15 minutes. Then you want to cool down by either sitting outside, taking a cool shower or dunk bucket, or rolling in the snow. Allow your body to cool down, then repeat this process 3-5 times or as you feel comfortable. Once you are done, then shower off again before getting dressed. It is also important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after sauna to stay fully hydrated. See our Sauna Rules page for more details.
HOW BIG IS YOUR SAUNA?
Our sauna room can seat 2-4 people comfortably, 6 is the maximum capacity.
HOW CLEAN IS IT?
After each session, the sauna, showers, and changing rooms are cleaned, disinfected, and reset to be ready to use for the next guest.
WHAT IS A SAUNA?
A Finnish sauna is a special room with a wood interior that incorporates a heater to heat up the room, ours uses a Kuuma wood-burning that is capable of reaching 200° Fahrenheit and up. On top of the stove are sauna stones that heat up, then you pour a little bit of water on them to create a burst of steam and heat.
The Finnish sauna is a substantial part of Finnish culture. It was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists at the December 17, 2020 meeting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
It is said that there are more saunas in Finland than there are cars. Every household has a sauna. Often the sauna is built first, before the house is built.
WHAT IS löyly?
Löyly is the Finnish word for the steam that rises from the sauna stones (kiuas) when pouring water on them, it is the heat of the sauna.
ARE THERE HEALTH BENEFITS?
There are health benefits attributed to regular sauna usage, including but not limited to improved circulation, enhanced immune system, respiratory relief, lower blood pressure, joint and muscle pain relief, improved skin tone, and sleeping are just a few common benefits. Use of the sauna is at your own risk. If you are pregnant or have health conditions, please consult your physician before use.
CAN CHILDREN TAKE SAUNA?
Yes, children can take sauna but are required to be accompanied by an adult. Often children will sit on the lower bench levels which are a little cooler than sitting at the top level. Also, session time for children is usually shorter time periods as their bodies can absorb heat faster than adults. Children under 15-years old are free with an adult.
DO YOU GO NUDE?
Traditionally yes, but with a towel to sit on. It is up to you to keep the towel on or let it down on the bench. If you are not comfortable being nude, you can wear a bathing suit. Remember that you will be in the sauna alone (or with your friends, family, or guests) and will have complete privacy while in the sauna.
For us Finns, nudity is a pretty natural part of life. From an early age, we are used to seeing our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, and friends nude. It is normal. Some take a sauna naked, others do not. It is not a big deal.
However, most Finns think that the most natural way of taking a sauna is completely naked. It's the only then do you feel truly free.
WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE RANGE?
The sauna is ready to use when temperatures reach 150° Fahrenheit and above, it can get over 200°. We normally keep the sauna between 160°-190°. When you throw water on the hot stones the burst of steam heat, löyly, can reach over 220° for a short period of time. We recommend only adding a little bit of water at a time until you feel comfortable with the stronger heat and steam.
IS IT ELECTRIC OR WOOD-BURNING?
Our sauna stove is a Kuuma wood-burning stove which is one of the most efficient and clean-burning stoves manufactured today.
CAN I BRING YOU FIREWOOD?
Yes, since we have a wood-burning stove we always welcome extra firewood, if you have whole or chopped firewood and would like to bring some to your sauna session please select the firewood option when registering for a $10 discount on your service. If you have more firewood or trees or large fallen branches that need to be removed please let us know and we'll be happy to arrange it with you.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IN SAUNA?
Before entering the sauna you want to shower off to be clean, with no dirt, lotions, or oils on your body. It is also recommended to remove jewelry as it can get hot to touch once in the sauna.
When entering the sauna you don't want to bring anything with you other than the towel to sit on. The Finnish tradition is to go into the sauna nude, so once you sit down unwrap your towel and let your whole body take in the heat. If you are with other people and feel uncomfortable being nude it is fine to leave your towel on.
You don't want to bring your phone, or camera, or anything into the sauna. This is the best time to unplug and simply be in the moment, relaxing, embracing the sauna heat, enjoy the views, and just be.
Once you are hot enough, then it's time to cool down. Step outside and sit down on the seats around the side of the sauna building. You want to let your body cool down for about 10-15 minutes before returning to the sauna. You can also take a cool shower to help cool down. The process of heating up and cooling down is repeated 3-5 times.
As you start sweating, many will notice dirt and dead skin will begin to surface from your pours, you can scrub your body to help bring all the dirt to the surface, then jump into the shower to wash it all off. After sauna, you'll notice your skin is silky smooth and soft.
WINTER NOTE
Our showers utilize a tankless water heater that heats the water very quickly and provides continuous hot water when showering. However, please be aware that in the winter season when the main water line temperatures drop considerably and the water heater does not reach extra hot levels. It is still plenty warm to hot to shower before and after the sauna but will feel cooler than the warmer seasons. Thank you for your understanding.
DO YOU HAVE WIFI?
Yes, there is wifi available if needed for online access. Cell phone reception can be hit or miss depending on your carrier. Wifi info will be available in the changing room.
IN PROGRESS
The M Ranch Sauna is currently open with the sauna room, changing room, and showers being used regularly.
However, please be aware that we are building in phases for other sections including the outdoor shower privacy stall and final adjustments to the changing room to make your experience more enjoyable.
We have additional projects to expand and enhance the experience around the sauna planned for the future including adding an outdoor shower privacy stall with a dunk bucket, an 8-10ft dunk tank, and a wrap-around deck with a relaxing area. These projects will take place over the next several months as time and resources allow.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to make the M Ranch Sauna a unique experience for you!
The slight smell of wood fire, the sound of flames devouring logs and the gentle heat given off cannot be surpassed by any other method of heating a sauna.
— Bert Jalasjaa