How to Find the Breckenridge Troll: Hike to Isak Heartstone

If you’ve heard the rumor that there are trolls in Breckenridge, Colorado, you are right! The Breckenridge Troll is one of the most unique attractions in Colorado and can be found just outside the popular tourist town of Breckenridge – also known as Breck by the locals.

Whether you’re just passing through this area as you roadtrip from Denver to Moab or you are spending time exploring the stunning state of Colorado, you’ll want to make a stop to visit the troll in Breckenridge. Why you might wonder? Well, in this post we will dive into the why and the how to visit the Breckenridge Troll along with all the insider information you need to make it an awesome experience!

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How to Find the Breckenridge Troll

If you’re traveling to Breckenridge, Colorado you must find the troll of Breck, named Isak Heartstone. Not only is it a bit of an unusual sight, but it’s also extremely photographic and fun for the whole family! So how do you find the fabulous Breckenridge trolls? Here’s the details you’ll need for your troll hunt.

The Breckenridge Troll Location

The troll in Breckenridge is located just outside of downtown, less than one mile from the Breckenridge Welcome Center. On Google, the Breckenridge Troll address is simply the Illinois Gulch, Breckenridge, CO 80424.

However, the best way to find the Breckenridge Troll is to head to the High Line Railroad Park Museum and Stephen C West Ice Arena. Next to this Ice Rink lot, there is a free parking lot where you’ll see a Troll sign. Head to the southeast corner of this parking lot to find the Trollstigen Trailhead. You can use this address for Breckenridge Troll directions: 189 Boreas Pass Rd., Breckenridge, CO 80424

Click here to get a Breckenridge Troll map.

It’s also worth mentioning that the city of Breckenridge did relocate the troll in 2019 after the original location brought too much traffic to a small neighborhood in Breck. Please make sure to verify the address in your GPS before you set off to visit the troll of Breckenridge!

Where to Park to Hike to the Breckenridge Troll

There are two main ways to visit the troll in Breckenridge. Your best option is to drive and park by the Trollstigen Trailhead. This is also the Illinois Creek Trailhead. It is located just past the Ice Rink at the address bolded above, and it is free to park there.

The trailhead is at the southeast corner of this parking lot. Parking here will put you just a brief walk to the troll. This makes it the perfect place to park – particularly if you’re visiting with kids or elderly people.

If the troll parking lot happens to be full, or the only spots left are reserved for the Ice Arena, you can either wait for someone to leave or you can park in downtown Breckenridge. From downtown, you can then walk, bike, or take the Free Ride Breckenridge shuttle to the “Ice Rink” stop to get to the trailhead.

The easiest place to park in Breckenridge is in the South and North Gondola Lots. These paid parking lots are located in the center of town and are easy to get to the Trollstigen Trail via the Breck Free Ride.

The shuttle stops at the Breck Station right next to the BreckConnect Gondola. Alternatively, you can find free parking in Breckinridge at a Satellite Lot off i70 and take the Free Ride shuttle to the troll trailhead.

Tackling the Breckenridge Troll Hike

To say hi to the troll in Breckenridge, you just need to follow the Trollstigen signs from the parking lot. Be prepared for a serious hike to Isak Heartstone… just kidding, it’s actually an easy 400 feet walk, or about five minutes to get to the troll.

This makes it doable for all ages and ability levels. Perhaps best of all, they planned for the traffic it would receive and made it one-way path so you will never have to walk against traffic.

More good news – the trail is mostly flat and really more of a nature walk than a hike. Along the way you’ll encounter a variety of ground coverings from stone pavers to wooden planks and dirt. This makes the Breckenridge Troll accessible to almost everyone – young and old!

If you wish do more than the troll hike in Breckenridge, there are many other trails in the area that you can follow which range from easy to strenuous.

The Troll of Breckenridge, Colorado — Side view on the hike to the Breckenridge Troll in Colorado

Introduction to the Breckenridge Troll

Now that you’ve found the Breckenridge Troll, let’s learn about the famous troll of Breckenridge! This 15-foot tall wooden sculpture is named Isak Heartstone, also called Isak the Troll. It was built back in August of 2018 for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

About Thomas Dambo – The Breckenridge Troll Artist

Dambo is famous for making dozens of sustainable sculptures out of recycled materials, trash, and scrap wood. In fact, the Breckenridge Troll was his 51st sculpture. His goal is to teach people about the importance of recycling and to think of trash as a resource.

This fabulous troll sculpture is not his first, and it certainly won’t be his last. He chose to focus on trolls as a subject as they are a big part of Nordic folklore and part of his growing recycle sculpture fairytale: The Great Story of the Little People & the Giant Trolls.

His troll statues vary in size, location, and activities they are doing to represent the forces of nature and how they are bigger and stronger than people, and we should be protecting nature. As Dambo’s trolls have risen in popularity, you can find them all available on the Troll Map.

The Inspiration for the Name Isak Heartstone

When Dambo started working on the troll of Breckenridge, he teamed up with four young girls. One day, these girls brought him a stone that was shaped like a heart. In that moment the name Isak Heartstone was born.

When to Visit the Troll of Breckenridge

As the Isak Heartstone Troll is located outside and free to visit, you can make the trek to visit it at any time. That’s right – it is open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day and perhaps best of all – there’s no entrance fee!

Best Time of Year to Hike to the Isak Heartstone Troll

While Breckenridge is popular all year long for its stunning Rocky Mountain location, the best time to hike to the Breckenridge Troll is between April and September.

This is when the Breckenridge Troll trail is most likely to be clear of snow. If you can catch it in the autumn, you’re in for an added treat as the trees along the path will offer vibrant fall colors.

As Breckenridge’s prime time to shine is during ski season, it does mean many people want to visit the troll in Breckenridge during winter. As noted about, you’re in luck as you can visit the troll any time of year! Should you decide to visit the troll in winter, it’s worth noting that there may be snow along the trail to the Breckenridge Troll.

If this is the case, you can still typically make it to the troll without hiking poles, crampons, or snowshoes, but it may be slick as the trail is heavily trafficked and that packs down the snow and makes it icy. Please be careful! If you’re planning to do additional winter hiking in the area, it’s worth investing in special winter hiking gear!

How to Avoid the Crowds at the Breckenridge Troll

As the troll is one of the most popular outdoor art attractions in Breckenridge, you’ll want to plan your visit outside of the busiest times. Otherwise, you could face lines that go all the way back to the parking lot as people take pictures of the famous wooden troll of Breckenridge.

To avoid this, try visiting on a weekday versus the weekend. To sweeten the deal, go early in the morning – before 10am, or later in the day around sunset. Mid-day is always the most crowded. Another option is to go on a day when the weather is not great. Is it raining? Perfect, the trail will not be busy. Do the short hike and then snap your picture with the troll without waiting in line!

Tips for Visiting the Breckenridge Troll

Make your trip to the troll in Breckenridge go off without a hitch by knowing exactly what you’re up against! Here are some additional tip and tricks to help you make your trip to Isak Heartstone one for the books.

Plan about an hour to visit the troll Isak Heartstone. This includes both the hike and some time for picture taking. If you do go during prime time, you could need extra time to wait in line for those perfect pictures without anyone else in them!

Visit responsibly to honor Dambo, the creator of the Breck troll. Stay on the trail. Leave no trace. Don’t feed the wildlife. Be kind to other visitors. And definitely, don’t climb on the troll.

Take the kids to meet the Colorado troll – they’ll love it! The trail to the troll in Breckenridge is actually one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Colorado. In fact, you can even take a stroller down the path. If you’re visiting Breckenridge with children – don’t miss it as they will really love this one-of-a-kind Isak Heartstone Troll.

Bring your dog (on a leash). The troll of Breckenridge loves dogs! Or is it the other way around? In any case, bring your furry friends with you to meet the troll of Colorado. Bonus: It makes for extra cute pictures!

Leave your bike at the trailhead as no bikes are allowed on the Trollistigen path.

Consider supporting local artists. While visiting the Colorado troll is free, you will find plenty of other artists and entertainers around Breckenridge. If you’re financially able to, consider buying a piece of art or donating toward their craft.

Additional Things to Do in Breckenridge

Whether you’re visiting this world-class ski town in the winter or summer, you’ll find plenty to do beyond hiking to the troll of Breckenridge.

With it’s idyllic location in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, the Historic Main Street offers a quaint mountain vibe with no skyscrapers, chain hotels, or chain restaurants. It feels just like those small towns they’re always featuring in Christmas movies.

Best Activities in Breckenridge

Outside of enjoying the mountains by skiing, extreme sledding, and hiking through Breckenridge, there are a few other awesome things to do in Breck:

Stroll through the picturesque downtown and down the Riverwalk near the Welcome Center visiting the boutiques and admiring the crafts and souvenirs.

Try some of the best breweries and distilleries in Breck with a bike and beer tour.

Ride the free Breckenridge Gondola up to the Peak 8 Base Area where you’ll find panoramic mountain views and some of the best hiking in the Breck area.

Take a gold mine tour that will venture 1,000 feet underground to explore historic tunnels and try gold panning!

Go ghost hunting through Breck’s historic and haunted buildings.

Downtown Breckenridge on a sunny day — Downtown Breckenridge Colorado

Where to Stay in Breckenridge

If you’re visiting Breck as you pass through on the great American road trip and just want to see the iconic Colorado troll or you’re planning to spend a week in Breckenridge skiing and hiking, you’ll want to spend at least one night to make the most of your time there.

Here are some of the best hotels in Breckenridge:

Budget-Friendly Hotel: The Bivvi Hostel is by far one of the most picturesque hostels in America and offers affordable private rooms!

Mid-range Hotel: The Lodge at Breckenridge features stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Luxury Hotel: The Ranahan by Vacation Club Rentals offers everything you need for a wonderful stay – hot tub, indoor and outdoor pools, sun terrace, and beyond!

Search All Breckenridge Hotels

Explore Beyond the Troll in the Colorado Mountains

Now that you’ve met the troll of Breckenridge, you’re ready to keep your exploration of Colorado going. After all, this beautiful state is full of amazing places, hikes, food, and more! Check out these additional helpful reads:

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How to Find the Breckenridge Troll: Hike to Isak Heartstone