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The Colorado Trolls: Rita the Rock Planter and Isak Heartstone
Have you heard about the Colorado Trolls, Rita Rock Planter and Isak Heartstone? These two giant art sculptures have captured the hearts of visitors, locals and anyone else who happens to stumble across them while exploring the state. These trolls are intense, massive, amazing … if you can think of an adjective for epic, it fits these unique works of art.
Created and built by recycle artist and activist Thomas Dambo, these trolls are part of a massive global phenomenon focused on bringing awareness to our worldwide concerns about depleted natural resources and the significant amount of trash humans create and discard each day. Dambo’s trolls are comprised of recycled materials and local resources and designed to integrate within their natural environment.
At last count, 62 trolls live in 18 states in the USA and in many more in locations throughout the world. You’ll find most of them along the coasts in the U.S. and several others near the Great Lakes and in the midwest. Colorado happens to be home to two of the giant wonders, including one within a mere hour of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Let’s get to know them!
Rita the Rock Planter
Rita the Rock Planter was built in Victor, Colorado in 2023. In fact, she just celebrated her first birthday in August. She is a breathtaking 21 feet tall and created out of recycled wood. That’s two stories of troll, making her the tallest of the Colorado Trolls without even standing! Her gigantic frame was built in just 12 days, put together with care by a team of talented volunteers at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet. As far as trolls go, Rita is one of the raddest. She sits out in the open on Little Grouse Mountain near two of the oldest mining towns in the West — no trees to dwarf her magnificence and plenty of room to impress.
Dambo usually has some sort of take to accompany his creations. Rita’s is sweet and simple and oh so fitting of the region.
“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 rock
But someone could fall in, so Rita went to tidy up.”
Cripple Creek and Victor are indeed full of holes from all of the aforementioned shiny rock digging. She kneels before one of the old claims, steadily pushing rocks back into the earth. If she was looking for job security when she stuck around in the area, she’s got it!
Where to Find Rita the Rock Planter in Victor
Of the two trolls in Colorado, Rita the Rock Planter is far easier to meet. While you will encounter people during your visit, you won’t be battling for photos or space. It’s not that she’s not popular, it’s just that most people don’t realize how cool this region is. It’s our secret and your secret weapon to beating the crowds and getting a more personal experience.
Getting to Rita is pretty easy. You can visit her job site in a few different ways:
- Take a hike! Turn left on CO-67 in Cripple Creek and head south toward Victor.
- Travel a little over three miles until you see the signs for Little Grouse Mountain Trailhead. The parking area should be on your right.
- Choose your distance. You can park right off the highway and turn your visit into an uphill stroll. There is a lot to see around the area due to the historic mines (and the giant mine across the highway). If you are not stoked about a hike uphill or you struggle with the altitude (fair), you can drive up CO-87 and park in the upper lot.
Things to Remember:
- Stay on the trail. All those beautiful wildflowers won’t stay that way if they get stepped on. Don’t let the dry climate fool you. Rita’s home is a delicate ecosystem.
- Remember the altitude. You are at nearly 10,000 feet. If you are not acclimated, that “easy” hike can have an impact.
- Dress in layers. You will spend your walk adding and removing clothing in just about every season.
- Bring water. Yes, the parking lot is close. But what if you get lost? What if you take the whole self-guided tour through the old mining ruins? It’s always better to not need it and have it than the reverse.
Stuff to Do Around Victor
Since you’re in the area, take a little time to explore this oft-neglected area in Colorado. We love it and we know you will too.
- Take a self-guided tour of the mining sites near Rita.
- Explore the town of Victor.
- Take a ride on the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad (seasonal).
- Visit the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine (seasonal).
- Try your luck in Cripple Creek gaming establishments.
- Meet the Cripple Creek donkeys.
- Explore Mueller State Park.
Isak Heartstone of Breckenridge
Isak Heartstone has a story that’s a bit more complex than fair Rita of Viktor. He was first built by Dambo in 2018. To say he was popular is an understatement. Coloradans and Colorado visitors were thrilled to have an internationally renowned artist display such a unique work of art in our state. Add the fact that Dambo created Isak from refuse and local materials and the fun factor only increased. So did the impact. Breck Create volunteers had worked hard to bring the magic to life and the citizens were here for it. Maybe a little too here for it.
According to Dambo’s website, nearly 3,000 visitors a day were making their way to Isak’s home, which happened to be near a quiet neighborhood on the edge of Breckenridge. Locals tried to be friendly about it, but anyone would struggle if they had 3,000 people driving down their quiet streets and parking. After a long debate, the town decided to dismantle Isak in 2019.
Isak Reborn! The Troll’s Return to Breckenridge
Fortunately for his steadfast fans, the disruption was temporary. Isak was reinstalled in the same year in a more visitor-friendly location. Dambo even made a special trip during a different project in Belgium to oversee the reinstallation.
In a 5280 interview in 2023, Dambo noted that Isak’s predicament was helpful in shaping the placing of his newer sculptures: “I’ve definitely learned more about where to put the sculptures through the years. I’ve also learned about different cultures and how a good location in one country isn’t necessarily a good location in another country. In Denmark, everybody would just bike or walk to a sculpture. But here in the U.S. everybody has a car. So I think you need a location that can accommodate more parking.”
Isak, in his current form, sits at about 15 feet tall. We’re not too sure how tall he would be if he ever decided to stand up, but we’re quite confident in saying he’s a big troll. He got his name from his heart — a small, heart-shaped stone gifted to Dambo by four little girls who visited the area during Isak’s construction. He’s also comprised of wood and recycled materials from the area — a signature of Dambo’s work. If you check out this video, you can see Dambo and volunteers dismantling wooden pallets for Viktor’s body.
Where to Find Isak Heartstone in Breckenridge
One of the most important things to know about Isak Heartstone is that you cannot access him by car. The city learned its lesson with Isak’s original popularity and developed a trail to access the famous troll to ease congestion in the community. Fines for parking on the streets or in undesignated areas cost more than parking and walking or using one of the free shuttles. You can park at various paid lots in town and take a shuttle or walk/bike to the trailhead.
- You can find the trailhead in the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. The ice rink has a paid parking lot. However, confirm you are allowed to park there before exiting your vehicle. Rules change. The ice arena is located at 189 Boreas Pass Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
- Start at the Trollstigen Trailhead.
- Follow the trollish signage to Isak’s lounging spot.
- Bonus: Take the whole loop. It’s easy, scenic and a nice little stroll.
Things to Remember
- Early mornings and evenings after 5 p.m. are the best times to visit for minimal crowds. This is especially true if you want photos without a lot of wait (or other people in them).
- Parking can be difficult in peak seasons. Whatever you do, don’t just “park for a quick hike” in any old spot because you will get a ticket.
- Be a good visitor. The area is Isak’s home. Don’t leave your trash. Don’t climb all over. In general, just try to leave a good impression!
Enjoy Your Time with the Colorado Trolls!
We love the Colorado Trolls and the unique, powerful way they have become a part of our state’s story. The message they offer about conservation and care for the environment is a meaningful one for any person who loves nature and the great outdoors. We hope you’ll be able to pay them a visit soon!
