Route 66: Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
If you ever plan to motor west along Route 66, I found a hidden gem for you to check out. Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is just west of Barstow, California, and there is no entrance fee.
You don’t have to spend more than 30 minutes – so it won’t delay you in reaching your final destination. But it’s a great spot for kids, adults and especially photographers to explore.
Here are a few reasons to visit Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. Although if you’re stopping there for a potty break, you should probably continue on to Barstow or Victorville.
Easy Access Along Route 66 Near Barstow
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is along Route 66 between Victorville and Barstow. We were heading toward California from Utah, so we cut off of I-15 in Barstow. After stopping to grab a selfie of me on Route 66, we turned on the Cars movie soundtrack and drove the 25 miles to the stop.
The fun part about Route 66 is that it’s a country road. If we would’ve been driving faster than the speed limit, I’m sure we would’ve caught some major air on the dips and bumps of the road. Even going the speed limit, my eight-year-old enjoyed the ups and downs of the road. It prepared him for the roller coasters at LegoLand and SeaWorld – which were our final destination. Haha!
After your visit to Elmer’s, it’s only 12 miles to Victorville, which is where you join back up with I-15.
If San Diego is your final destination, you should add the U.S.S. Midway Museum or the Maritime Museum of San Diego to your itinerary.
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Create Your Own Scavenger Hunt
We were surprised at all the bizarre things we found throughout the park. The even have the kitchen sink (pictured above for proof).
Here’s a list of things you can try to spot during your visit:
- Baritone
- Typewriter
- Gas pump
- Musket (rifle)
- Coca-Cola sign
- Airplane propeller
- Lantern
- Water pump
- Saxophone
- Willyz Jeep
- Electric guitar
- All colors of bottles
- Windmill
- And more…
Have a contest among your family to see who can find the most bizarre item at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Farm.
Stretch Your Legs at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
If you’ve been in the car for a while, it’s always nice to get some blood flowing back through your legs. The ranch isn’t huge, so it’s not like you need to plan on a 2 mile hike. You’ll probably walk anywhere from a quarter to half a mile, just wandering your way through the “trees”.
As you reach the back portion of the ranch, there’s a wishing well with a sign that says “TIPS”. Since admission is free, it’s always nice to toss in a few dollars or something to thank Elmer for the time and effort he puts into making this what it is.
Once you get your legs some exercise, you’ll be ready to climb back into the car and continue your journey. But make sure you have something to drink – it can get a little toasty during the summer months.
Have Fun with a Camera
You probably know that I’m a photographer. Or at least I love trying to take some artistic photos of places like this.
During our 20-minute stop, I found myself taking pictures of typewriters, trying to create a nice, unique photo of the item. I also took some wide-angle shots to show the breadth of the trees on the ranch.
I would’ve enjoyed spending a little longer at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, capturing photos of all the unique items. I would’ve also liked to have been there during the Golden Hour to improve the lighting in my photos. But this go-around, it was just a fun pit stop on our drive west.
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The Details
Address: 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368
Cost: Free admission, but tips are accepted.
Hours: There are no official hours. The gates are open during the daytime. If the gates are closed, you can still see the bottle trees from the exterior chain link fence. Elmer (the designer) does live there, so you may even bump into the artist while you’re there.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ElmersBottleTreeRanch/ (unofficial site, operated by fans of Elmer)
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