Why venture to the silent, remote town of Victor in the mountains west of Colorado Springs? For a different view of this state, seemingly far removed from this resort era. For something grittier and more authentic, more like the Wild West. 

And for a troll. 

Yes, Victor’s main attraction just might be Rita the Rock Planter, the wooden sculpture among artist Thomas Dambo’s whimsical family of trolls made around the world. Rita was made in 2023, bringing new waves of people to this historic gold mining outpost. And atop a hill where Rita is pushing rocks, searching for something shiny, those visitors found much more than a troll.

They found a dramatic relic of those Wild West days. And they found a dramatic view — true Colorado.

The relic is the late 1800s headframe of the American Eagles Mine. A blacksmith shop and office from the day are also here on Little Grouse Mountain. Straight ahead is Rita and that view of the surrounding mountains, the neighboring city of Cripple Creek and the distant Sangre de Cristo peaks. It all can be enjoyed via a short hike.

We like to hike it anyway — taking the roadside trail to the top parking lot and the American Eagles Mine site. You could also drive that steep road from the lower parking lot off Colorado 67. But why not get some fresh air after the long drive to town? 

You’ll get a bit of a workout on the hike up, too. And you can add some mileage and fresh air on trails that loop beyond Rita.

Or you can turn back as we did, knowing there’s much more to see in Victor. Another trail recommendation down in town: the Vindicator Valley Trail, looping about 2 miles around more historic mining relics. 

Trip log: 1.6 miles out and back (from lower parking lot)

Getting there: Drive through Victor, continuing south on Colorado 67 toward Cripple Creek. Just past the company mining facility, see the parking lot on the left. 

FYI: More information at Gold Camp District Impact Group’s website: goldcampdig.org/findingtrolls

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE