Desert Bottle Tree

Close up of the tree. kysamijumi (Atlas Obscura User)

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If you’re heading to Wendover, Utah to see the ghost town of Lucin or artist Nancy Holt’s “Sun Tunnels” sculpture, you’ll likely drive right past this quirky, glistening tree. Poised right on the side of the road in the middle of the desert, it is decorated by all means of tokens, gnomes, cans, bottles, trinkets, and sparkly things. It appears people have been putting messages and wishes in the bottles as well.

No longer a desert bottle tree as it is a desert bottle “stump”—it is unclear if this tree met its demise from nature or vandalism. Either way, people continue to decorate what is left of the tree. This little tree has since been cut down, but visitors are encouraged to continue the tradition by leaving their bottles and trinkets on other trees in the area.

Know Before You Go

Access is right off the road and there are places to pull over and park on the shoulder. Take some supplies with you if intend to contribute to this decorated tree. You will need a bottle, paper, marker, string, twine or copper wire.