Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California on Historic Route 66

Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch in California

As it made its way westbound across California, Route 66 passed through Needles, Goffs, Fenner, Amboy, Ludlow, Newberry Springs, Barstow, Victorville, San Bernardino and into Santa Monica.

Leaving Needles, the road ventured a bit north, through Goffs. This railroad town remained a stop on Route 66 until 1931, when a more direct alignment between Needles and Essex was opened.

The road then headed south, through Chambless and Amboy, and then west to Ludlow, Newberry Springs and on to Barstow. There it turned south and traveled through Helendale, Victorville, through the Cajon Pass, and on to San Bernardino. A final westward track through Pasadena took the Mother Road to its final end, near Santa Monica.

In 1936 U.S. 66 was extended from downtown Los Angeles to U.S. 101, at Santa Monica. In 1940 the first freeway in Los Angeles was included as part of U.S. 66, the Arroyo Seco Parkway, later known as the Pasadena Freeway.

A popular stop on California Route 66 is Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch near Oro Grande ... a fascinating story, and a "must see" attraction!

Map showing the location of Oro Grande, California on Route 66 between Helendale and Victorville

Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch The Bottle Tree Ranch created by Elmer Long is a forest of colorful bottle trees hanging from large metal vertical pipes. It also features a variety of random collectibles such as windmills made of bicycle wheels, old signs, jeeps, typewriters, bed springs, car parts, and other assorted items. Many of the bottles were originally collected by Elmer's father. As time progressed, Elmer himself started collecting bottles and other old relics he found in the neighboring California deserts. A U.S. Marine Corp veteran, Elmer was trained as a welder and also worked in a cement factory. These skills helped him begin the bottle tree story in 2000. Elmer passed away peacefully on June 22nd, 2019 surrounded by friends and family. The "Ranch" is located between Helendale and Victorville (actually closer to Helendale) ... the official address is 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368 Read more at the Bottle Tree Ranch website