Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – Oro Grande, California – Route 66
A Whimsical Wonderland
In January of 2017, I was riding my motorcycle on a solo trip through California. I followed a leg of Route 66 back towards Los Angeles. That’s where I learned about Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch.
January 2, 2017, was a gray morning, I cruised along Route 66 through Oro Grande, California on a rented Triumph Tiger 800. Amongst the dusty scrub, I rolled up to an oasis.
Welcome to Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
The ranch was an unassuming place. When I pulled up and parked it almost felt like I was trespassing. I wondered if I could just walk in? Or if I needed to pay? Or how this all worked. But, there was no one there but me.
I figured, what the hell and made my way towards an opening in the fence. The welcome sign quelled my fears about trespassing.
Yup, I had the place to myself. I silently walked among the bottle trees listening to the wind make squeaking, tinkling music across the assemblages.
My only wish? That the sun was out. Seeing the light reflecting through the different colored glass must be magical on a bright blue day.
Aside from the bottles themselves, the bottle trees are also adorned with found objects and other assemblages.
You know I couldn’t help but smile to see a hat tip to motorcycling.
A lovely Coco-Cola relic.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is definitely a place to get your kicks on Route 66.
A forest of beautiful bottle trees.
Listen for the hypnotic twinkling sounds of the ranch:
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
24266 National Trails Hwy,
Oro Grande, CA 92368
Google Maps
Taking a ride along Route 66 has always been something on my bucket list. Appreciate the pictures, sounds like it was an awesome ride.
BTW – Nice bike to rent!