October 31, 2025

Heading east on Hwy 58 out of Bakersfield, I stopped briefly to check out the Tehachapi Loop, an engineering marvel dating back to 1876. The spiral track allows trains to climb in elevation while maintaining a 2% grade. It was well worth the stop, and I owe thanks to the volunteers at the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum for giving me information and directions to see it.

Continuing on, I dropped south shortly before Barstow to the tiny town of Oro Grande, eager to see something I’d had bookmarked for a long time. When I finally pulled my car off the dusty road and parked in front of the open gate, I knew I’d found the right place.

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is the creative legacy of Elmer Long, who passed away in 2019 after building his eclectic art universe since the 1950s. Row after row of metal “trees” boast bottles of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Whimsical objects add touches to the tall creations, many reflecting the desert and rural environment. Farm tools, watering cans, and even a sewing machine hovered above me as I made my way along the rows. In one spot, I looked up to see a saxophone; in another spot, a bicycle. It was a forest of trees and a magical one at that. Everywhere I turned there was something new to take in.

I wished I’d stopped by years ago when Elmer was there himself, as he was known to talk about his passion for the project. Elmer’s son now manages the ranch, though a caretaker was there at the time of my visit. It is open to the public at no charge from sunrise to sunset daily. Just look for the rustic open sign, metal gate, and a fantasy of bottles and oddities towering above. A must for any fan of roadside art.