Bottle Tree Ranch - Historic Route 66
Today’s we’re exploring a little treasure on historic Route 66. Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch is one spot you won’t want to miss off the side of the road when you’re driving this section of world famous highway. Let’s check it out together.
History
Elmer Long first started collecting bottles on trips with his father in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until 20 years ago that he began working on this masterpiece with his father’s antique bottles. Over time Mr. Long’s passion project grew, and currently over 100 bottle trees weave through the property. Each tree is topped with a one of a kind topper picked and placed by Mr. Long. Along with the forest of sparkling bottle trees, many fascinating vintage items cover the property, including typewriters, farm equipment, and even an old jeep. In 2019 Elmer Long passed away, but his magical art installation continues to attract visitors from near and far.
Visiting
It’s easy to park along the side of the road, and the gate is unlocked when the ranch is open to the public (just make sure to close the gate behind you). There are wonderful hand made wind chimes and the bottles seem to sing their own song as the breeze blows through the dessert air. I think golden hour is extra magical when the sun light dances off the bottles across the sky, and you might just feel like you’ve stepped back in time as the trail passes leisurely behind you. I love the random items that top each tree...everything from an old electric guitar to a hand made rake.
Know Before You Go
• This is a “glass museum”, so you can expect broken glass to be present along the dirt path…so plan your footwear accordingly.
• A (very sweet) dog calls this property home, but if you’re uncomfortable around large dogs be forewarned…and my last visit I was greeted by a goose too! 😂
• There are no restrooms or food/water available, but there is a small seating area if you’d like to take a moment to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds here.
• The full ranch is easily viewable in under 30 minutes, making this a quick stop…but you could definitely spend more time exploring each uniquely hand crafted piece.
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks for joining me today at this wonderful and much loved pit stop along historic Route 66. For more information see my Behind the Blog video below, and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
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