Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
A whimsical forest of welded metal 'trees' adorned with thousands of colorful vintage glass bottles and folk art. Created by the late Elmer Long, this iconic Route 66 stop clinks beautifully in the desert wind. Look closely to spot retro windvanes and toys perched atop the glass branches.
- Admission
- Free, donations accepted
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset
- Duration
- 30-45 minutes
- Parking
- Dirt pull-off parking along the highway
- Access
- Flat but unpaved sandy ground; may be uneven for some wheelchairs
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Located along a dusty stretch of historic Route 66, Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is a whimsical forest of glass and steel created by the late artist Elmer Long. For decades, Long welded together scrap metal and hung thousands of colorful vintage bottles to form a sprawling, vibrant desert oasis.
Visitors can wander through the maze of hundreds of "trees," which are topped with old typewriter parts, vintage signs, and other quirky Americana relics. When the desert breeze picks up, the entire installation comes alive with a gentle, hummed symphony of wind whistling through the glass bottlenecks.
This beloved roadside folk art installation represents the creative, independent spirit that defines the Mother Road. Though Elmer passed away in 2019, his family and dedicated caretakers continue to maintain the site for travelers seeking a nostalgic, artistic detour.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Visit during a breezy afternoon when the wind creates a unique whistling soundtrack and the low sun beautifully illuminates the colored glass.
- ◆ Admission is free, but consider leaving a donation in the box near the entrance to help support the ongoing preservation of the ranch.
- ◆ Take your time to look closely at the tops of the trees, as many are adorned with rare antiques, vintage toys, and unique found objects.
- ◆ Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from any stray shards of glass or uneven desert terrain.
Heads Up
- ◆ Be mindful of broken glass on the ground, and avoid touching or leaning on the fragile, rust-prone metal structures.
- ◆ Summer temperatures in the Mojave Desert can be extreme, so plan your visit for early in the day and bring plenty of water.
Common questions
Is Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch still open after Elmer's passing?
Yes, the attraction remains open to the public and is maintained by Elmer Long's family. Visitors are still welcome to walk through the art installation during daylight hours.
Is there an admission fee to visit the Bottle Tree Ranch?
There is no admission fee to enter, but donations are voluntary and highly encouraged to help the family preserve the site. A donation box is located near the entrance.
Are there public restrooms at Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch?
No, there are no public restrooms or visitor facilities on the property. The nearest restrooms are located a few miles away in Helendale or Victorville.
More Folk Art Environments
- Nitt Witt Ridge · Cambria, CA
- Cano's Castle · Antonito, CO
- Bishop Castle · Rye, CO
- Coral Castle · Homestead, Florida
- World's Largest Catsup Bottle · Collinsville, IL