A twenty-one-foot wooden troll kneels on a mountainside near Victor, Colorado, gently fixing small gaps in the ground. Rita the Rock Planter is far more than a quick roadside stop and is part of Thomas Dambo’s worldwide troll project that now spans many countries.
Reaching her can still be confusing. With more than one path and two parking areas, many visitors end up unsure of where to start. I gathered clear guidance based on local advice and past visitor notes, so you know the simplest way to reach her.
This guide shares the easiest route, the best place to park, and the story behind this calm giant. You also get tips on timing and how to enjoy your visit to historic Victor with no guesswork.
What is Rita the Rock Planter?
Rita is a 21-foot-tall wooden troll kneeling on a mountainside. She’s not just any sculpture. She’s part of something much bigger happening across the world.
The Sculpture Basics
Rita stands on Little Grouse Mountain near Victor, Colorado. The entire sculpture is made from 100% recycled wood. Nothing new, nothing wasted.
Over 100 volunteers helped build her in 2023. They completed the work on August 3rd and unveiled Rita on August 4th, 2023. This wasn’t a solo project. It was a community coming together.
Physical details you’ll notice:
- 21 feet tall (about two stories high)
- Made entirely from recycled wood
- Shows a kneeling troll tending to the earth
- Positioned on Little Grouse Mountain
- Near historic Victor, Colorado
The details matter. Walk around Rita and you’ll see how recycled wood pieces fit together perfectly. Each plank tells its own story.
The Artist Behind Rita
Thomas Dambo is a Danish artist with an ambitious mission. He wants to populate the world with gentle giant trolls made from recycled materials.
Rita is his 119th troll sculpture globally. That’s not a typo. He’s created trolls in 17 different countries. In the United States alone, he’s built 32 of these giants. His ultimate goal? Build 1,000 trolls worldwide.
Other Colorado trolls you can visit:
- Isak Heartstone in Breckenridge (Colorado’s first Dambo troll)
- Rita the Rock Planter in Victor (Colorado’s second)
- More installations are possibly coming
This is part of a larger environmental art movement. Each troll has a purpose. Each one tells a story about nature and our relationship with it.
The Story and Symbolism
Rita has an official poem that explains her purpose. It goes like this: “A hundred suns is how long a nap takes for the trolls. When Rita woke again, her mountainside was full of holes. The humans must have dug them in their search for shiny rocks. But someone could fall in, so Rita went to tidy up.”
That’s the whole story. Rita woke up from a long troll nap and found her mountain damaged by gold miners from the 1800s. She’s worried about people or animals falling into the holes. So she’s patching them up, one by one.
The deeper meaning:
- Represents the damage humans have caused to the environment
- Symbolizes healing and restoration
- Reminds us to treasure natural beauty
- Connects past mining damage with present responsibility
- Emphasizes bringing land back to its natural state
Victor is an old gold rush town from the 19th century. Miners dug holes everywhere searching for gold. They left the land scarred. Rita’s story connects that history with today’s need for environmental care.
How to Find Rita the Rock Planter?
Finding Rita can be confusing. There are multiple routes and two parking lots. Let me break it down clearly.
Location Details
Rita lives on Little Grouse Mountain just outside Victor, Colorado. Victor sits south of Cripple Creek in the Pikes Peak region. You can reach it from Colorado Springs.
The area is called the Gold Camp District. It’s full of historic mining history. Mountains and foothills surround the entire region. Beautiful, rugged, and authentic Colorado.
Key location facts:
- Little Grouse Mountain (the specific spot)
- Victor, Colorado (closest town)
- South of Cripple Creek
- Accessible from the Colorado Springs area
- Less than one hour from certain lodges
- High elevation (plan accordingly)
GPS coordinates are available. Google Maps will get you to the parking areas. But knowing which parking lot to use makes all the difference.
Parking Options
You have two main parking lots to choose from. Each one leads to Rita, but the experiences are completely different.
The lower parking lot sits one mile west of Victor on Highway 67. Look for a dirt lot on the left side of the road. This option gives you a longer hike with better views. You’ll walk 0.8 miles uphill to reach Rita. The reward? Panoramic views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountain range.
Lower parking lot details:
- Location: Highway 67, one mile west of Victor
- Dirt parking area on the left side
- Longer hike (0.8 miles uphill)
- More adventurous option
- Best views of the mountains
- Rocky terrain throughout
Upper parking lot details:
- Much shorter walk (0.2 miles)
- Downhill to Rita
- Drive-up option
- May not be well marked
- Ask locals for directions
- Minimal hiking required
The upper lot isn’t as obvious. The route may not have clear signage. I recommend using GPS or stopping at the Victor Visitor Center for directions.
Best Hiking Routes to Rita
Three different routes can take you to Rita. Each offers something different. Pick based on your fitness level and time available.
Option 1: Little Grouse Mountain Trail from Lower Lot
This is the scenic route with the most elevation gain. You’ll hike 0.8 miles uphill from the lower parking lot. The full loop trail is 1.9 miles if you want to keep going.
The terrain varies. Expect rocky sections. You’re walking uphill the entire way to Rita. It’s a workout, but the views are worth it. The Sangre De Cristo Mountain range spreads out before you.
Trail specifications:
- Distance: 0.8 miles one way
- Direction: Uphill to Rita
- Full loop: 1.9 miles total
- Terrain: Rocky and varied
- Difficulty: Moderate (uphill climb)
- Time: 30 to 45 minutes for Rita
What to expect on this route:
- Panoramic mountain views
- Rocky trail surface
- Elevation gain throughout
- Scenic vistas for photography
- More adventurous feel
This route is perfect for hikers who want exercise and views. Photographers love this trail. You’ll get landscape shots you can’t get from the upper lot.
Option 2: Upper Parking Lot Route
Want the easiest access to Rita? Use the upper parking lot. You’ll walk just 0.2 miles downhill to reach the sculpture. Total time? About 10 minutes.
This is the quick visit option. Drive up, park, walk down a short trail, see Rita, walk back up. Done. It’s less physically demanding and works great when you’re short on time.
Upper lot route details:
- Distance: 0.2 miles
- Direction: Downhill to Rita
- Time: 10 minutes each way
- Difficulty: Easy
- Minimal elevation change
Best for these visitors:
- Families with small children
- People with mobility concerns
- Anyone short on time
- Those avoiding strenuous hikes
- Quick photo opportunities
The catch? Finding the upper lot can be tricky. The road isn’t always well-marked. Use GPS or ask at the Victor Visitor Center before you go.
Option 3: Birdhouse Trail from Victor
This is the most unique route to Rita. Start from the Victor Visitor Center and Wallace Park. Then follow the colorful birdhouses that mark the trail.
Yes, actual birdhouses serve as trail markers. Local artists created them. They’re scattered along the path, pointing you toward Rita. It’s part art walk, part hike, part town exploration.
Birdhouse Trail features:
- Starts in downtown Victor
- Follow colorful birdhouse markers
- Connects the town to the trail
- Scenic walk through Victor
- Community art experience
Why choose this route:
- Combines the town visit with the Rita visit
- Unique artistic trail markers
- Support local Victor businesses first
- A more connected community feel
- Great for families who like scavenger hunts
Look for the birdhouses and follow them. Each one points you closer to Rita. It’s a fun way to experience both the town and the sculpture.
Essential Visitor Tips
Small details make the difference between a good visit and a great visit. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Before You Go
Planning saves frustration. Mountain weather changes fast in Colorado. What starts sunny can turn stormy in an hour.
Check the weather forecast before you leave. Wear hiking shoes with a good grip. The terrain is rocky, no matter which route you choose. Bring water and snacks. High altitude makes you thirstier than normal.
What to bring with you:
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Water bottle (at least 16 ounces)
- Layered clothing (temperatures vary)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Sunglasses for bright sun
- Camera or smartphone
- Trail map or GPS device
- Snacks for energy
Best times to visit Rita:
- Early morning for fewer crowds
- Late afternoon for golden hour photos
- Avoid midday summer heat
- Spring and fall for the best weather
- Check winter accessibility (snow possible)
Allow 1 to 2 hours for the full experience. That includes hiking time, taking photos, and exploring around Rita. Victor is at a high elevation. Plan for altitude effects like shortness of breath.
During Your Visit
Trail etiquette matters here. The meadowland around Rita is fragile. Stay on designated trails only.
Leave wildflowers where they grow. Don’t pick them or remove rocks. Pack out all your trash. Keep noise levels reasonable so others can enjoy the peaceful setting. These mountains deserve respect.
Photography tips for Rita:
- Walk around the entire sculpture
- Morning and late afternoon have the best light
- Capture Rita with a mountain backdrop
- Get creative with angles (she’s 21 feet tall)
- Try low angles to emphasize her size
- Share photos using #RitaTheRockPlanter
Safety considerations:
- Watch your footing on rocky terrain
- Stay hydrated (altitude affects everyone)
- Keep children supervised near the sculpture
- Don’t approach old mining holes
- Stay on marked trails only
- Be aware of altitude sickness signs
The old mining area still has holes in the ground. That’s what Rita is symbolically patching. Stay on the trail and you’ll be fine.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Take time to really look at Rita. Walk completely around the sculpture. You’ll see different details from each angle.
Notice how the recycled wood pieces fit together. Read any interpretive signs about the art and environmental message. Watch how Rita interacts with the landscape behind her. The mountain backdrop isn’t accidental. It’s part of the whole design.
What to observe:
- Individual wood pieces and their fit
- Rita’s facial expression
- How she kneels to tend the earth
- The rocks she’s “planting”
- Mountain views behind her
- Recycled material craftsmanship
Social media tips:
- Use hashtag #RitaTheRockPlanter
- Tag Victor, Colorado location
- Share your experience online
- Help spread the environmental message
- Support local tourism
- Inspire others to visit
Your photos and posts help Victor’s economy. They spread awareness about environmental art. They inspire others to make the trip. Share freely.
What People Love About Rita?
The size surprises everyone. Photos don’t capture how massive 21 feet actually is. You have to stand next to Rita to understand the scale.
The mountain setting adds to the experience. Rita isn’t in a parking lot or city park. She’s on an actual mountainside with views stretching for miles. The whole package works together.
Common positive feedback:
- Impressive size and detail
- Beautiful mountain location
- Unique photo opportunities
- Meaningful environmental message
- Family-friendly attraction
- Completely free to visit
Memorable experiences visitors share:
- Shock at Rita’s actual size
- Appreciation for recycled materials
- Connection to environmental themes
- Enjoyment of scenic hike
- Finding of charming Victor
- Value as a free attraction
Being free matters. No entrance fee. No parking fee. Just show up and enjoy. That accessibility means everyone can experience Rita regardless of budget.
Tips from Previous Visitors
Insider advice from people who’ve been there: Use the upper parking lot for the easiest access. Visit early morning to beat crowds. Combine Rita with a Cripple Creek trip for a full day.
Look into Victor after seeing Rita. The town deserves attention. Bring a good camera for mountain views. Always check the weather before you go. Mountain conditions change fast.
Visitor recommendations:
- Upper lot for easy access
- Early morning for fewer people
- Combine with Cripple Creek
- Look into Victor town after
- Bring a camera for views
- Check the weather first
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Wearing flip flops or sandals
- Not bringing water
- Underestimating altitude effects
- Skipping Victor exploration
- Going during midday summer heat
- Ignoring birdhouse trail markers
The altitude catches people off guard. You might feel fine in Colorado Springs at 6,000 feet. Victor sits above 9,600 feet. That 3,600-foot difference matters. Bring water. Take your time. Listen to your body.
Conclusion
You now have clear details to reach and enjoy Rita the Rock Planter. The upper parking lot gives the shortest walk of about zero point, two miles, while the lower lot offers a longer path with broad mountain views. Both options lead you straight to this calm wooden figure on the hillside.
Rita is more than a giant troll. She carries a simple message about caring for the land and was built with recycled wood by a team that wanted to give the area something meaningful. Plan for a short outing, bring water, wear steady shoes, and take your time.
Do not miss Victor after your visit, since the small town adds a warm touch to the day. Have you seen Rita already? Share your thoughts in the comments and tell me which lot you used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rita the Rock Planter?
Rita the Rock Planter is a 21-foot-tall wooden troll sculpture located near Victor, Colorado. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, she depicts kneeling and patching holes left by 1800s miners, symbolizing environmental care and restoration of the landscape damaged by historic gold mining operations.
Where can I find Rita the Rock Planter?
Rita is located on Little Grouse Mountain, 2 miles west of Victor, Colorado, just south of Cripple Creek. She’s about 45 minutes from Colorado Springs. A short 0.25-mile hike from the upper parking lot on Highway 67 leads directly to the sculpture.
What is Rita the Rock Planter made of?
Rita is crafted entirely from 100% recycled wood, primarily sourced from old pallets and reclaimed materials. Over 50 volunteers helped assemble her in just eight days, demonstrating that recycled materials can create beautiful, meaningful art.
Is visiting Rita the Rock Planter free?
Yes, Rita the Rock Planter is completely free to visit and open to the public year-round. The trail is easily accessible from a parking lot off Highway 67, making it an affordable family-friendly adventure in Colorado’s historic mining region.
Why is Rita the Rock Planter so popular?
Rita is one of Thomas Dambo’s 119+ troll sculptures worldwide, gaining fame for her massive size, environmental message, and beautiful mountain setting. Her story of repairing mining damage resonates with visitors, while the short, accessible hike makes her easy to visit.
