Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch
Oro Grande, CA
A forest of welded-steel "trees" hung with thousands of glass bottles that chime in the desert wind.
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is in Oro Grande on old Route 66, the National Trails Highway, southwest of Barstow. Elmer Long (1946–2019) inherited his father's bottle collection; the two used to comb the desert together for finds. In 2000 he put up his first bottle tree, and from 2002 he devoted himself fully to the site. Today more than 200 trees made of metal pipe stand on the grounds, hung with bottles and topped with found objects such as road signs, typewriters and radios.
Since Long's death his son Elliott has looked after the ranch; admission is free, and a "Wishing Well" collects donations. You can park along the roadside or on a dirt patch by the gate. A walk around takes 15 to 30 minutes, longer if you are taking photos. In sunshine the colored glass glows, and in the wind the bottles chime softly. Wear sturdy shoes, as broken glass can lie on the uneven ground.
- Nearest town
- Oro Grande, CA
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 34.6158, -117.3350
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually September–May. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Desert Willow RV ResortMotorhome stopover13 mi from Elmer's Bottle Tree RanchCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Paradise Mobile EstatesMotorhome stopover14 mi from Elmer's Bottle Tree RanchMotorhomes
- Lone Wolf Colony Health Ranch & RV ParkMotorhome stopover14 mi from Elmer's Bottle Tree RanchMotorhomes
- Trailer & RV AreaMotorhome stopover20 mi from Elmer's Bottle Tree RanchMotorhomes
- Sawtooth Canyon CampgroundMotorhome stopover20 mi from Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch · 14 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesFree
- Horse Springs CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Elmer's Bottle Tree RanchTentsToilets
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch?
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is in Oro Grande, CA, at GPS 34.6158, -117.3350. It is about 26 mi from Barstow.
Can you camp near Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Desert Willow RV Resort, about 13 mi away; within 25 mi there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch?
Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Route 66, part two: Oklahoma City to the Pacific and Desert art and strange sculpture.
What is there to see near Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cabazon Dinosaurs (58 mi), Griffith Observatory (65 mi), Crystal Cove State Park (78 mi) and Santa Monica Pier (78 mi).
When is the best time to visit Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch?
The most pleasant months are usually September–May. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)