Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch

So here we are. Summer 2026 is approaching and Route 66 travel is in full spring. This year feels a little different with the convergence of the 100th anniversary of the road. There are a lot of people on the road trying to make this the year they make the trip. To be honest, I’m a bit jealous of the folks that can make the trip, but am extremely happy that our little slice of the planet gets to showcase our love for the road.

It will be 7 years in June since my dad passed away and I like to think he’s kinda pissed off at me. I haven’t lived up to my own expectation, let alone his. Yeah, we have kept the lights on, and kept the gates open. But the property needs more them just someone to flick switches. It needs someone to repair dang near anything at anytime. It requires presence and persistence. It requires a Brian.

Brian is the site manager, care taker, dog trainer, tour guide, jack of all trades and all around gentle genius. His determination and attention to detail is why these gates are wide open. He is my inspiration to renew lost skills and help build this place into something that can truly have an impact on the growth of both the area and the lore. So if you see him working in the yard, or maybe just resting under the shade. Please do say hi. He’s been here through the worst of it and is a part of this Bottle Tree Family through and through.

I’ve got a new guest book I’ve been working on, converting an old fire suppression tank. It’s not fully ready and absolutely looks like an unfinished project. But a wonderful mother and son showed up. And while discussing the construction and my idea , It was misconstrued that I wanted them to sign it now. Language barriers are real! What was I supposed to say? No??? So they signed right there and the guest book had it’s 1st signature. Little things like this make my heart just smile. If you happen to stop by, and have a pen. With respect to the other please leave your mark! I would love to see it! Now that people are actually adding there mark, I need to kick it in high gear and get it finished!

Very soon we will have some trinkets that can be purchased online! As it is now, we have a tiny gift shop operation on site out of a cardboard box that is only available sparingly. Here at the Bottle Tree ranch, we are a no frills type of place until the need for a frill arises 🙂 I appreciate all your love and support! Every single donation is (at least to me) feels like the greatest thing I can witness. And it matters! It matters so much and I am ever so thankful that this is what I get to do!

Thank you all for exploring my world with me!

Elliott

6 years ago, California lost a legend. The Bottle Tree Ranch was the vision of one extraordinary man, Elmer Long. Driven by a love of family, exploration, and education, Elmer poured his heart into creating something truly unique. From the early 1950s until his passing in 2019, he lived life on his own terms—always dreaming, always building. The legacy he left behind is one that time itself can hardly forget.

My name is Elliott, and Elmer was not only my father but my guiding force. He taught me everything I know and cherish. Every hobby, every passion I hold dear, stems from his influence and the lessons he shared. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him.

We’ve recently made a few changes here! The website has been offline as I had to repair what I broke while setting a few other things up! The online shop is up now and hopefully very soon will be riddled with a few trinkets you can take back with you in memory of your visit!

We’ve also began the process of setting up a mailing list for anyone who wants to stay connected. We’ll be sharing updates on ongoing preservation efforts, upcoming events, construction, stories from the road, and more ways you can help us keep this special place alive.

Since his passing, We’ve done what we can to care for the Ranch. Some progress has been made—we’ve made small improvements, cleaned up areas in need, and started sharing his story with new audiences online. But I won’t sugarcoat it: the Ranch is suffering. Time, weather, and neglect and the basic cost of running a property for free are catching up with it faster than we can keep up. I’m trying to spend extra time on all the projects we have! So please have some patience with us when it comes to the development of the website as this is a learning experience as well!

If you’re curious about what we’ve been working on, what’s in store, or if you simply share a love for history, treasures, and old curiosities, we’d love for you to join us on this journey. Follow us on YouTube and Instagram as we work to preserve Elmer’s vision and ensure the Bottle Tree Ranch continues to inspire future generations.

Thank you for being part of this story and helping us carry Elmer’s legacy into the future.

With gratitude,
Elliott Long