Hole in the Sky Ranch is an exclusive, 25-acre horse ranch and sanctuary in California's Tehachapi Mountains. Small groups and solo travelers come here to unplug from daily life and reconnect with themselves, each other, nature, and horses. We are a destination experience, not just a place to stay.

We're in Caliente, California, in the Tehachapi Mountains of Kern County, roughly one hour from Bakersfield and three hours from Los Angeles. The nearest city is about an hour away in any direction, which is exactly why the night sky is so dark. Full directions are sent to confirmed guests.

HitSky is owned by Mike Dunne, a lifelong horseman raised on ranches and in rodeos, a veteran, and a 20-year member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Mounted Posse. Mike is also the founder of Equine Empowered Training, a 501(c)(3). Your experiences will be led by our neighbors and ranch managers Clay and Kelin McDermott, who own The Heart K Ranch.

Email info@holeintheskyranch.com or use the form on our Contact page with your dates, group size, and what you're hoping to experience. We'll reply with availability and a quote.

Most guests book the entire property for their group, which gives you exclusive use of the ranch. We also host retreats, clinics, corporate groups, private events, and film and photo productions. But if you’d like to book just a house or 2, contact us to see what’s available!

Rates depend on the season, number of guests, length of stay, and whether you're booking the full property or a custom event. Contact us and we'll put together a quote for you or your group.

Yes. A 50% deposit is due at booking to hold your dates, and it is non-refundable under all circumstances. If you cancel with at least 7 days' notice before arrival, the remaining balance is refunded. Cancellations within 7 days of arrival are not refunded.

Yes. Every guest signs a liability waiver before arrival. Working with horses, donkeys, and rugged mountain terrain carries inherent risk, and the waiver must be signed before taking part in any activity.

We operate rain or shine, so ordinary bad weather doesn't change your booking. If conditions become dangerous, such as flooding, wildfire, or another extreme situation, we'll give you a refund or rebook your stay for new dates.

Standard check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. But let us know if you’d like something different.

You have two options. You can drive all the way to the ranch, or you can leave your car at our partner Heart K Ranch nearby and we'll shuttle you in. Either way, you'll get a detailed map with your booking confirmation. The final stretch is a dirt road that doesn't show up correctly on many map apps, so please follow our map rather than your phone's GPS.

The last part of the drive is on a dirt road. If you're not sure your vehicle is up for it, use the shuttle from Heart K Ranch. It's easy, and you can leave the driving to us. Not sure? Ask us when you book and tell us what you drive.

There is no cell service on the property, and that's by design. We do have satellite Wi-Fi (though we hope you won't need it). Signal typically drops after you leave Highway 58 and returns once you're back on the 58 heading out. Download offline maps and make any important calls before you leave the highway.

That depends on the kind of stay. The property has beds for up to 20 guests for lodging-only stays. Retreat buyouts, where your group is taking part in programming and experiences together, are limited to 12 guests. Keeping retreats small lets every guest get real time with the animals and the hosts, and keeps the experience calm rather than crowded.

Upscale comfort in rustic surroundings. Each house has heating and air conditioning, comfortable beds, and thoughtful details like copper sinks. Across the property you'll find two full chef's kitchens, laundry, seven full bathrooms, a large patio with a hot tub, and plenty of cozy spots to take in the views. All bedding and towels are provided. Our lodging options include the Bunk House, the Wheel House, and the Tiny Cottage Cluster + Studio. See our Lodging page for details on each.

The Main House is available by special request only, for retreat facilitators or outside staff hired for your event. Two bedrooms (one queen, one queen/single bunk) and a full bathroom are available, plus full use of its kitchen, dining room, and living room with fireplace. Maximum 5 people. The primary bedroom is not available.

It means you're far from the noise: no cell service, no city lights, and nothing but mountains around you. You won't be roughing it, though. The houses have regular electric power, with backup generators if the power goes out, plus our own spring well and propane. Use all the hot water and power you need.

Yes. Our houses include full kitchens, and self-catered stays are welcome. You can also have your stay catered with local farm-to-table food (inquire for details.)

Yes. The ranch is customized for small groups and works well for corporate retreats and team building, wellness retreats, workshops and small conferences, and private celebrations like anniversaries and weddings. Retreat groups are limited to 12 guests. Tell us your vision and we'll work with you to build it.

Yes. The ranch is available for film, TV, and professional photography shoots. Contact us with your dates, crew size, and needs for a quote.

Yes. Our Cinematic Equine Actor Training is a private, 7-day all-inclusive program for actors preparing for roles that involve horses, led by experienced horseman Clay McDermott of Heart K Ranch. Contact us for details and availability.

Yes. Writers, painters, photographers, and other artists come here for something rare: quiet, remote, distraction-free nature. Book solo or as a group, bring your own supplies, and roam the property freely. Guided tours are available as an add-on.

Everyone is welcome at the ranch. Many of the animals who live here came from hard starts, and the ranch exists to give them a calm, safe place to land. We ask the same respect for every guest: treat the people, the animals, and the land with kindness and patience. Harassment, discriminatory behavior, or conduct that makes others feel unsafe isn't tolerated, and may mean being asked to leave without a refund. Hole in the Sky is an inclusive space. Guests of all races, ethnicities, faiths, gender identities, and sexual orientations are welcome, and we expect everyone on the property to treat one another with respect. For group bookings, the group organizer is responsible for their guests' conduct.

Pets are not allowed on the property without prior written approval. This protects our herd and your pets. Service animals are always welcome; please let us know in advance so we can plan around the herd.

Fireworks are not permitted on the property. Firearms are only allowed with prior written approval.

Cigarette smoking is not allowed anywhere on the property because of the wildfire risk. Vaping is permitted.

Yes. You're welcome to bring alcohol and enjoy it responsibly. We just ask that you keep it respectful of other guests, the animals, and the property. Please don't drink before or during any hands-on time with the horses and donkeys.

Yes. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, including around the animals.

Every house has a first aid kit and an emergency information packet. Our team includes experienced large-animal handlers with direct access to an emergency veterinarian. Because the ranch is remote, emergency response takes longer than in town. Please tell us about any medical conditions or physical limitations when you book so we can plan accordingly.