Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch - Boomer Road Trips

The sign at Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch — The Sign at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – A Must-See Stop Along Route 66

Located at 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is located along old Route 66 in Oro Grande, California, It’s become an iconic stop along the historic U.S. Route 66 that has been delighting travelers for years. It’s comprised of old glass bottles on welded steel trees, retro toys, old highway signs, bed frames, old rifles and other assorted “junk”. It makes for a one-of-a-kind roadside attraction that you won’t want to miss!

Some. of the bottle trees at the ranch — Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, Oro Grande, California

Blue Glass Bottle Tree at Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch — Bottle Trees – Blue Glass Bottle Tree

The Bottle Tree Ranch was created by Elmer Long, a folk artist and former Marine. He and his father used to hike around abandoned settlements and other places in the Mohave desert when he was a child. They picked up all types of objects. For instance, they collected odd colored glass bottles, old road signs, car parts and other odd ball stuff.

Bottle Ranch History

With the bottles piling up and after inheriting his father’s collection, Elmer decided to display them. In the early 2000s he began welding together old scraps of pipe and steel into trees and limbs that his bottles could sit on. Every tree was built by hand and there are over 200 of them displaying thousands of old colored glass bottles over two plus acres.

Some of the odd objects found at Elmer's Bottle Tree. — Signs, Bed Frames, Sewing Machines and more at The Bottle Tree Ranch

Along with the bottle trees, you’ll discover windmills made of bicycle wheels, typewriters, car parts, mattress springs, bed frames, and other assorted items. Elmer created a Route 66 tourist destination that has attracted thousands of visitors over the years.

Welcome Sign at the Bottle Tree Ranch — Welcome Sign to The Bottle Tree Ranch

Unfortunately, Elmer passed away in 2019 but his bottle tree ranch still stands as a tribute to Elmer’s artistic creativity and ingenuity. His family is keeping it open and visitors can walk through the ranch and view all of Elmer’s unique artistic creations.

If you find yourself along Route 66, be sure to make a stop at the Bottle Tree Ranch! It’s one of those fun one-of-a-kind places that you just have to see in person. To truly appreciate its unique beauty and charm, you have to walk through it.

Whether you’re looking for some interesting sightseeing or a fun stop during your travels, this quirky roadside attraction will not disappoint!