A collection of discarded glass bottles, old metal parts and other unwanted objects became a popular roadside attraction in California after a cement worker named Elmer Long began turning them into unusual sculptures. Known as Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, the site sits along Route 66 in the Mojave Desert and has attracted visitors from around the world.The two-acre property has around 200 bottle trees made using more than 1,000 glass bottles, along with pieces of scrap metal and other old objects. Long’s personal creative project gradually became a place where travellers could stop and explore an outdoor display made largely from discarded materials.Long died on June 22, 2019, but his family has continued to maintain the ranch and welcome visitors. According to the attraction’s official website, the family remains committed to preserving his work and protecting the place he created.The ranch has received renewed attention in 2026 as Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary. In an update published on May 29, Long’s son Elliott said more people were travelling along the historic highway during its centenary year. He also shared how the family was working to maintain the property while keeping his father’s creations accessible to visitors.
How Elmer Long created the Bottle Tree Ranch
Long worked as a cement worker before becoming known for his unusual outdoor art. Rather than using conventional materials, he turned discarded bottles, metal pieces and other objects into structures resembling trees.The bottle trees were created by arranging glass bottles on metal frameworks, turning objects that might otherwise have been thrown away into decorative displays. The collection gradually grew into a forest of sculptures spread across the desert property.The ranch also contains other objects that reflect the history of the surrounding region. According to its official website, these include decorations, old items placed among the bottle trees.Over time, the ranch became a recognised stop for people travelling along Route 66. Its location in the Mojave Desert made it accessible to road trippers exploring the historic highway.
Route 66 centenary brings renewed attention
The ranch’s connection to Route 66 has become particularly significant in 2026, the year marking a century since the highway was established.In his May 29 update, Elliott Long wrote that the anniversary had encouraged more travellers to make the journey. “There are a lot of people on the road trying to make this the year they make the trip,” he wrote.Elliott said he was pleased that the family property could play a part in the anniversary celebrations. However, he also acknowledged that maintaining the ranch had been difficult since his father’s death.He explained that keeping the gates open was only one part of the responsibility. The property also needed regular repairs, maintenance and someone who could respond whenever problems arose.“Yeah, we have kept the lights on, and kept the gates open. But the property needs more them just someone to flick switches,” he wrote.
Family works to preserve Elmer Long’s creations
Elmer Long died on June 22, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. He was 72. Following his death, his family took responsibility for protecting the sculptures and continuing the attraction.The ranch’s official website describes his creations as a destination that brought together people from different parts of the world.In the May update, Elliott acknowledged that he had not achieved everything he had hoped to accomplish at the property. Nevertheless, he said the family had continued its efforts to keep the ranch running.One recent project involves converting an old fire suppression tank into a guest book where visitors can leave their signatures.The ranch remains an outdoor attraction where visitors can walk among the bottle trees and explore the collection of objects displayed across the property.The family is also working on ways to support its maintenance. Elliott said the ranch currently operates a small, limited gift shop on site and plans to introduce items that visitors can purchase online.