Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
A surreal desert forest of shimmering bottle trees and eclectic vintage treasures on historic Route 66.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bottles shimmer beautifully
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
Best Time
Bottles shimmer beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A surreal desert forest of shimmering bottle trees and eclectic vintage treasures on historic Route 66.
"It was awesome. So much detail has gone into creating this artwork. Just do it."
📸 Capture the Colors
The glass bottles catch the light beautifully, making for stunning photos. Bring your camera!
🚗 Easy Access from I-15
Just a short detour from I-15, making it a convenient stop on your way to or from Las Vegas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Forest of Bottle Trees
Main grounds
Hundreds of colorful glass bottles transformed into shimmering trees, creating a surreal desert landscape.
Vintage Treasures
Scattered throughout the ranch
Discover antique typewriters, old refrigerators, wagon wheels, and other quirky found objects adding to the charm.
Artistic Bottle Sculptures
Throughout the property
Unique sculptures crafted from bottles, showcasing incredible creativity and a vibrant display of color.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Route 66 Roadside Gem
Donations Keep the Magic Alive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Colors
The glass bottles catch the light beautifully, making for stunning photos. Bring your camera! 
🚗 Easy Access from I-15
Just a short detour from I-15, making it a convenient stop on your way to or from Las Vegas.
💰 Support the Art
Donations are appreciated to help maintain this unique roadside attraction. Look for the donation bucket.
🚶♀️ Explore & Discover
Wander through the 'forest' and play 'I Spy' with the kids to find hidden treasures.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Colors
The glass bottles catch the light beautifully, making for stunning photos. Bring your camera!
🚗 Easy Access from I-15
Just a short detour from I-15, making it a convenient stop on your way to or from Las Vegas.
💰 Support the Art
Donations are appreciated to help maintain this unique roadside attraction. Look for the donation bucket.
🚶♀️ Explore & Discover
Wander through the 'forest' and play 'I Spy' with the kids to find hidden treasures.
⏳ Quick & Quirky Stop
Perfect for a brief, memorable stop to break up a long drive. Takes only a few minutes to appreciate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch as a unique, quirky, and visually stunning roadside attraction on Route 66. Many are impressed by the artistry and creativity involved in transforming bottles and vintage items into colorful sculptures. It's considered a highly recommended, quick stop that adds a memorable touch to desert road trips.
"Went out of my way to see this unique attraction along route 66. I have been to a similar rock garden, but obviously this place uses bottles. They had unique artifacts such as an antique fridge and typewriter. There is a donation bucket a little further into the attraction, so if you like it and want to keep it going I'd recommend making any donation. Spent about five minutes there, didn't see anyone other than a couple of visitors. Just stop here, it takes a few minutes and is uniquely weird."
NateCre8
"Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is what happens when a scrapyard and an art gallery have a confusing baby. Metal poles, bottles, random rusted relics that probably failed their previous careers but now stand proudly as desert decorations. Weird place. Properly weird.
And yet…it has charm. Sun hits the glass, everything glows, and suddenly junk feels poetic. If you’re passing by, stop. Wander. Stare. Take a photo. Then leave wondering why you liked it so much."
Wade Wilson
"I've seen pictures of this places but totally forgot where it was. I was driving down Route 66 and saw it and had to stop by! There are soo many bottles and tons of fun things to look for. I played "I Spy" with my kids. It was really fun. Highly recommend stopping by on your way north or south on I-15. It's only about 5 minutes from the interstate."
Adam Christensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is located at 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368, right on historic Route 66. It's a convenient stop if you're traveling between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and it's only about 5 minutes from the I-15 interstate.
Yes, Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is a classic roadside attraction situated directly on the historic Route 66.
From Los Angeles, you can take I-15 North towards Las Vegas and exit onto Route 66. The ranch is a unique and memorable stop along this iconic highway.
Yes, it's quite visible from the road due to its unique bottle tree structures. Many visitors spot it while driving along Route 66.
Absolutely! It's a popular and quirky pitstop for travelers heading to or from Las Vegas, offering a colorful break from the desert drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is typically free, but donations are highly encouraged to help maintain the art installation. Look for a donation bucket on site.
No, tickets are not required. Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch operates on a donation basis, allowing visitors to experience the art freely.
The ranch is generally open to visitors during daylight hours, as it's an outdoor art installation. It's best to visit when there's ample natural light to appreciate the colors.
Visiting during the morning or late afternoon can be ideal, as the sunlight catches the glass bottles, creating beautiful shimmering effects.
Yes, you can freely walk around the grounds and explore the bottle trees and vintage items at your own pace.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
It's incredibly photogenic! The colorful glass bottles, unique sculptures, and vintage items create a visually stunning backdrop for photos.
The ranch features hundreds of 'bottle trees' made from colorful glass bottles, along with various found objects and vintage items like typewriters and old appliances, all arranged artistically.
The ranch was created by the late Elmer Long, who transformed his property into a unique outdoor art installation using thousands of glass bottles and found objects.
The entire ranch is a photo opportunity! Wander through the 'forest' and find angles that highlight the vibrant colors and unique arrangements of the bottle trees.
Yes, artists have found inspiration here. One visitor mentioned setting up an easel to paint, surrounded by the colorful art and desert silence.
🎫 👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Yes, it's a fun and engaging place for families. Kids often enjoy playing 'I Spy' with the numerous bottles and vintage items.
Children can enjoy exploring the unique 'forest,' searching for different colored bottles, and discovering the various vintage objects scattered throughout the property.
The grounds are generally safe for walking, but it's always a good idea to supervise young children as they explore the art installations.
Most families spend about 15-30 minutes exploring and taking photos, making it a perfect short stop for all ages.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or playgrounds on-site, so plan accordingly. It's primarily an outdoor art viewing experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief and focus on the visual discovery. While there are no specific amenities like restrooms, the unique art installation provides plenty of talking points and photo opportunities. It’s a memorable and quirky experience that adds a splash of color and creativity to any family adventure on Route 66.
🚗 Road Trippers & Photographers
+1Bring your camera and be prepared to capture vibrant shots of the bottle trees and the eclectic collection of vintage items. The entire ranch is a canvas of color and texture, offering endless creative possibilities. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, snap some memorable photos, and soak in the quirky charm of a classic American roadside attraction.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Creatives
+1Explore the intricate details of the bottle trees and the curated collection of vintage objects. Artists might find inspiration in the vibrant colors, textures, and the surreal desert setting, as one visitor noted setting up an easel to paint amidst the art. It’s a place that celebrates ingenuity and the beauty of found objects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Elmer Long
+1Long's artistic endeavor wasn't just about the bottles; he also incorporated a variety of found objects and vintage items, adding layers of history and character to the ranch. Rusted typewriters, old appliances, wagon wheels, and other forgotten treasures are artfully placed amongst the bottle trees, creating a unique 'desert archive' that sparks imagination and nostalgia.
+1Though Elmer Long has passed away, his legacy lives on through the continued preservation and appreciation of his unique creation. Visitors often describe the ranch as magical, surreal, and a true roadside wonder, a place that captures the spirit of Route 66 and the creativity of folk art.
A Route 66 Icon
Many travelers discover the ranch serendipitously while driving Route 66, recognizing its unique charm from photos or word-of-mouth. It serves as a perfect, brief interlude for road-trippers looking to experience the authentic spirit of this famous American byway. The ranch embodies the roadside attraction ethos – unexpected, memorable, and distinctly American.
Whether you're a dedicated Route 66 enthusiast or simply passing through, Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch offers a delightful and visually stimulating experience. It's a place that captures the imagination and leaves visitors with a sense of wonder, solidifying its status as a beloved stop on this historic route.
The Art of Upcycling
+1The ranch is also adorned with a fascinating collection of vintage items and antiques. From old sewing machines and typewriters to refrigerators and car parts, these forgotten objects are given new life as part of the artistic landscape. This integration of everyday discarded items into a cohesive art installation highlights the beauty and potential in what is often overlooked.
+1This commitment to using recycled and found materials makes Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch not only a visually captivating destination but also an inspiring testament to creative resourcefulness. It encourages visitors to see the artistic possibilities in everyday objects and the environmental impact of repurposing materials.
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Social
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