Just off old Route 66 in the Mojave Desert near Oro Grande, California, you’ll find a dazzling forest of bottle trees—metal poles festooned with colorful glass bottles that tinkle in the breeze. It’s folk art meets roadside spectacle, a place that wouldn’t feel out of place in a desert dream.
Location and Hours
Address: 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368
Located about a mile off Route 66 between Barstow and Victorville. The ranch is free to enter and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
How It Started
Elmer Long began building the Bottle Tree Ranch in 2000, using bottle collections he inherited from his father. His dad had spent decades combing the desert for discarded glass, stacking up a lifetime supply of colorful odds and ends. Elmer took that collection and turned it into a living, breathing art installation.
What started as a few posts with bottles welded on quickly grew into a forest of over 200 handcrafted steel bottle trees. Each one is topped with strange and wonderful objects—old tools, musical instruments, car parts, signs, and more.
What You’ll See
- Rows of 15- to 20-foot metal poles, each with dozens of multicolored bottles arranged in symmetrical or spiraling patterns
- Found-object sculptures scattered around the grounds—rusted Jeeps, boat hulls, old typewriters, hubcaps, missile casings, and farm tools
- A natural sound-and-light show as the wind whistles through the bottles and the desert sun makes the glass shimmer from every angle
Why It Stands Out
It’s more than a photo op. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is a heartfelt tribute—part art project, part memorial to his father, and part celebration of desert life. Every pole, every bottle, and every piece of scrap metal tells a story. The result is immersive, beautiful, and oddly meditative.
This place isn’t just roadside kitsch—it’s soul-deep folk art. A real American original.
Tips for Visiting
- There’s no entrance fee, but bring a little cash if you want to donate or grab a handmade souvenir
- The ranch is outdoors and rustic—no restrooms or water, so plan accordingly
- Best light for photos is early morning or late afternoon
- Summer heat is intense—bring sunscreen, water, and a hat
What Comes Next
Elmer Long passed away in 2019, but his son Elliot has taken over the care and preservation of the ranch. New bottle trees and objects are still being added, and the vision continues to grow.
Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch is one of those rare stops that feels bigger than it looks. It’s part sculpture garden, part desert symphony, and 100% Route 66 magic.
