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I'd consider this more a tourist attraction with a short, somewhat slippery approach than a hike - though there are some easy trails in the same area if you still feel like soaking up some sunshine after Isak. Kid friendly but keep in mind it can be icy and is not maintained so crampons may not be a bad idea. Parking lot is quite large and free during the day. I love the concept of these trolls and think it's a fun art project. Given how easy it is to check him out, I say go for it. I've heard there can be crowds, but the scenery is lovely to look at while you're waiting your turn for a photo opp.
Don't miss visiting Isak Heartstone in Breckenridge! He's a giant forest troll sculpture who delights the hearts of children and adults alike. Isak was commissioned by Breck Create. There have been 2 versions of this lovable mountain troll. The first time Isak made his debut he was so popular that he attracted thousands of visitors each day. Isak Heartstone 1 was dismantled in February 2019 and moved to his current location, in order to give him a space of his own. You can find him on his own trail in the woods near the entrance to the Illinois Creek Trailhead not far from Sunbeam Drive and Boreas Pass Road. Isak Heartstone was made for Breckenridge Creative Arts Festival Breck Create. On Thomas Dambo's website, the sculpture's creator, he states that Isak Heartstone got his name after three little girls, visited Isak and shared with him a stone heart, which Thomas installed in the first version of the sculpture. For those who may have less mobility and walking trails may be difficult, finding Isak is relatively easy compared to other trails. It's a short walk from the trail entrance to Isak, maybe a five minute walk. For those who would like to visit Isak in the winter, the city does not maintain this trail during the winter months. September 2024
I mean, how does this experience NOT get 5 stars? It's an iconic Breckenridge activity that my friend and I didn't do the first time we came here but fit it into our schedule the second time around, with a bunch of friends. I totally thought it'd be a huge trek, but you literally just park in the giant lot and walk 400 ft. from the Illinois Creek Trailhead. Perfect photo op to show off!
Absolutely beautiful little trail, we were on the fence about this and are so glad we went and did it! It wasn't too far of a walk but it's so scenic and so many good picture opportunities. We saw a fox in the parking lot too. We took the trolly here for free from Main Street. We went with a group of about 20 and we all had a blast doing this.
So I don't know what I was originally thinking when a friend asked if I wanted to go visit "the Troll"--mostly, I thought I was hallucinating her words. BUT, there is a for sure a troll in Breckenridge that everyone should check out if they can! The Troll is set back in a patch of woods--there is a parking lot specifically for the Troll, so be sure to look that up if you are trying to go. Once you park, there is a few minute walk to where the Troll is. I was worried that I should've worn my sneakers on the walk since everyone else was, but I was happy to note that even in my leather sandals, it was easy enough to get back there. Once you reach the Troll area, it is a small space for taking pictures and examining this cool art piece! My friend told me that it was originally in another location, so when you're looking it up, make sure you're in the right place. It was super fun to get there and take pictures in the little area--again, not a stressful or long walk to the Troll, but definitely worth it!
We came on a Saturday around noon and everyone else had the same idea! There was a line to get a picture with the troll, but it moved fast and people were very sweet about taking photos for each other. This is a very short easy hike for people with families or those with mobility issues- it has a wooden plank path and is only about 400 feet from the free parking lot. There are additional paths if you're looking for a little longer hike, and they have some art scattered on them that was cool to check out.
Take a short, scenic stroll on the Trollstigen Trail (Troll Trail) to see the Isak Heartstone Troll. It's located just outside of the main part of Breckenridge. Best of all, it is FREE to see! To find the Trollstigen Trail trailhead go to the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, next to Illinois Creek Trailhead. If you are near the trains, go to the opposite end of the parking lot. Isak Heartstone 1 was co-commissioned for an exhibit for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in 2018, but it was dismantled in February 2019 because it was too popular and then reinstalled here . Although I didn't see it in person, only online, I think the original sculpture was better and more playful. Isak is carefully stacking rocks like he's balancing rocks. As per Dambo's website, this troll got its' name after three little girls came by and gave Isak a stone heart. Dambo has a heart-shaped stone placed in Isak's chest. The Isak Heartstone Troll at THIS location is the second one. Some people reference this one as Isak Heartstone 2. He sits at approximately 15 feet tall. Thomas Dambo is the creator of this and many other trolls. He uses reclaimed wood and other recycled materials. Isak is pretty cool to see in person! He's sitting on an incline between trees. He's got his right hand holding the tree trunk. His left hand is balancing him as he's sitting. The bottom of his left foot is resting against a rock. I love all the details... like his fingernails & toenails, and small branches for hairs. The trail is an easy walk through a forested area. This pathway is stable to walk on. The return trail is different from the one leading in. It consists of wood boards, similar to a deck and includes a 6-inch-high step. This troll was created by Thomas Dambo, a Danish sculpture artist. There are over one hundred Dambo trolls in the U.S.A. and many more around the world. Isak Heartstone is Troll numbered 043. Isak is the first Dambo Troll we've seen in person! We went to see Rita The Rock Planter eight days later! I guess we're officially Troll Hunters now! *If you live in the Los Angeles, CA area or are planning to visit, there will be a temporary exhibit of 12 Thomas Dambo's Trolls at the South Coast Botanic Garden in March 2026. Buy your tickets! read more
2 months ago
4/5 stars only because on the unseasonably warm day we went, the trail up to Isak was icy so we had to navigate that while people on the trail walked in front of and behind us, I guess trying to get there quickly. Isak is not very far from the parking lot and the trailhead sign. On this particular day there were several people waiting to take their photo with Isak, so we waited patiently. When it was our turn a nice woman said, "Be careful, it's slippery." Thank you. We took our photos, enjoyed the trees a bit, and walked back to our car. read more
The Breckenridge Troll is honestly such a cool and unique piece of art, perfectly integrated into the woods. The hike to get there is short and easy--truly something anyone can do--which makes it a great stop for all ages. Seeing the Troll in person is absolutely worth it and feels a bit magical tucked away in nature. If you're visiting Breckenridge, this is a must-see. Pro tip: go early to avoid the heavier crowds and enjoy it a bit more peacefully! read more
I'd consider this more a tourist attraction with a short, somewhat slippery approach than a hike - though there are some easy trails in the same area if you still feel like soaking up some sunshine after Isak. Kid friendly but keep in mind it can be icy and is not maintained so crampons may not be a bad idea. Parking lot is quite large and free during the day. I love the concept of these trolls and think it's a fun art project. Given how easy it is to check him out, I say go for it. I've heard there can be crowds, but the scenery is lovely to look at while you're waiting your turn for a photo opp. read more
1 year ago
Don't miss visiting Isak Heartstone in Breckenridge! He's a giant forest troll sculpture who delights the hearts of children and adults alike. Isak was commissioned by Breck Create. There have been 2 versions of this lovable mountain troll. The first time Isak made his debut he was so popular that he attracted thousands of visitors each day. Isak Heartstone 1 was dismantled in February 2019 and moved to his current location, in order to give him a space of his own. You can find him on his own trail in the woods near the entrance to the Illinois Creek Trailhead not far from Sunbeam Drive and Boreas Pass Road. Isak Heartstone was made for Breckenridge Creative Arts Festival Breck Create. On Thomas Dambo's website, the sculpture's creator, he states that Isak Heartstone got his name after three little girls, visited Isak and shared with him a stone heart, which Thomas installed in the first version of the sculpture. For those who may have less mobility and walking trails may be difficult, finding Isak is relatively easy compared to other trails. It's a short walk from the trail entrance to Isak, maybe a five minute walk. For those who would like to visit Isak in the winter, the city does not maintain this trail during the winter months. September 2024 read more
This is a must see in the area, and it's free! After a 50 foot very accessible walk you reach the troll and it makes for a great photo op!! We were able to take our parents along with us and they had no issues with this walk. This is pet friendly and also has picnic tables available. read more
2 years ago
I mean, how does this experience NOT get 5 stars? It's an iconic Breckenridge activity that my friend and I didn't do the first time we came here but fit it into our schedule the second time around, with a bunch of friends. I totally thought it'd be a huge trek, but you literally just park in the giant lot and walk 400 ft. from the Illinois Creek Trailhead. Perfect photo op to show off! read more
2 years ago
Really cool troll statue -- 5 minute walk from Ice Rink parking lot. Accessible for low mobility people. Waited 5 minutes in line for pictures. Ice rink has free parking for most of the day so park here and walk to downtown. read more
6 months ago
went early after a overnight snow. has the place to ourselves and it was stunning. right in town and free! read more
You don't have to be a kid to enjoy this beautiful piece of art. Not our first time going either. Isak is AWESOME and it's a quick little 5-10 minute walk from the free parking lot. Must see in Breck...so unique. Great photo opportunity!!!! read more
Absolutely beautiful little trail, we were on the fence about this and are so glad we went and did it! It wasn't too far of a walk but it's so scenic and so many good picture opportunities. We saw a fox in the parking lot too. We took the trolly here for free from Main Street. We went with a group of about 20 and we all had a blast doing this. read more
So I don't know what I was originally thinking when a friend asked if I wanted to go visit "the Troll"--mostly, I thought I was hallucinating her words. BUT, there is a for sure a troll in Breckenridge that everyone should check out if they can! The Troll is set back in a patch of woods--there is a parking lot specifically for the Troll, so be sure to look that up if you are trying to go. Once you park, there is a few minute walk to where the Troll is. I was worried that I should've worn my sneakers on the walk since everyone else was, but I was happy to note that even in my leather sandals, it was easy enough to get back there. Once you reach the Troll area, it is a small space for taking pictures and examining this cool art piece! My friend told me that it was originally in another location, so when you're looking it up, make sure you're in the right place. It was super fun to get there and take pictures in the little area--again, not a stressful or long walk to the Troll, but definitely worth it! read more
We came on a Saturday around noon and everyone else had the same idea! There was a line to get a picture with the troll, but it moved fast and people were very sweet about taking photos for each other. This is a very short easy hike for people with families or those with mobility issues- it has a wooden plank path and is only about 400 feet from the free parking lot. There are additional paths if you're looking for a little longer hike, and they have some art scattered on them that was cool to check out. read more
2 years ago
A beautiful trail with lush trees, streams and wildlife. Such a wonderful hidden beauty. Definitely worth coming. read more
Good morning, Colorful Colorado! The Fall weather this season has been nothing short of beautiful. Over this past weekend I felt like going for a drive. I ended up making my way to Breck. I said to myself, "hey you should go see the infamous Breckenridge troll." So, I did! +A quick drive, just South of Downtown Breck/Main Street. +Massive parking lot shared with the ice center, free during the day. +Shortest "hike" of all time to see the troll. +Kinda touristy attraction, prepare to encounter a big crowd. The mountains have already gotten snow already. But I was shocked to see the ground frozen over. All of us were walking rather slowly to not slip. Like I said, it's a quick walk, maybe less than thousand feet from the parking lot? At least that's what it felt like. As far as the structure goes, it's pretty damn cool. Standing 15 feet high, with a hand wrapped around a tree, the infectious smile makes for a cool man made art piece. Obviously everyone was stopping for pictures, developing quite a lengthy line. Isak photographs well, he never blinks! He's the friendliest troll you'll ever encounter. Worth seeing once and bringing people from out of town. If you're already in Breck, you might as well scoot over here for some entertainment! read more
1 year ago
Visited Isak while attending the International Snow Sculpture Championships nearby. Clear signs in the West Ice Rink Parking Lot, Illinois Creek Trailhead and along the Trollstigen Trail. Isak had a mystic feel, especially after the recent arctic blasts, surrounded by cold air and snow, like genie safeguarding the forest, It was a short walk from the trailhead, about 500 feet. Not a lot of visitors on a snowy weekday, so had more personal time with Isak.Certainly worth the detour. read more
I had the pleasure of seeing Isak Heartstone in his original location where he was tucked away behind a quiet Breckenridge neighborhood. Unfortunately, the locals in the neighborhood complained about the added noise and traffic from the visitors and he was dismantled and moved to this new location. To get to the trailhead you can either take the ice rink trolley from Breckenridge station or drive up to the parking lot at the trailhead. Unlike the original location, the hike to get to the troll is much shorter. Although you are surrounded by trees and nature which made for a beautiful walk, I wished the adventure was longer. Also, there was a crap ton of people so it was hard to take in the greatness of Isak as everyone wanted their own picture with him. As you take the short loop trail back to the beginning there are also several other trails that you can walk. One of them takes you to the backside of Isak Heartstone which I thought was an interesting perspective and a much more challenging hike. Then you come back down and take the next route which leads you to what looks like his own personal firepit. Don't get me wrong, Isak Heartstone is a magnificent thing to see, but I wish he could have stayed in his original location. read more
Just a quick walk from downtown Breckenridge, you'll find Isak Hearthstone, the Breckenridge troll. Once you get to the Ice Arena parking lot (off Boreas Pass Road), walk to the southeast corner of the lot. There you'll see a sign for the Illinois Creek Trailhead which will take you to Isak. The "hike" is about 400 ft and is a flat surface with the slightest incline. There were some icy parts since we visited in January but the trail is pretty wide so you can walk around any slippery areas. Isak is quite a sight! And is a great photo op for any group. Just remember to be kind and don't climb! You can continue down the trail for more hiking or turn around to get back to the parking lot. There are two paths between Isak and the parking lots so you don't have to worry about crossing paths with oncoming troll hunters. read more
What a great destination and local spot to enjoy in Breck. We loved how convenient it was with a paved accessible path. I have elders that love to visit the mountains and go on mountain hike/walks, but sometimes limited due to paved paths. This destination has a large parking lot and it's easy access from the parking to the to troll. We went in the evening before sunset and so there were no crowds. It was peaceful to sit on the benches near the troll, admire his presence, and enjoy the calm sounds of the wind and breeze through the many Aspen trees that surround him. Highly recommend stopping by if you have kiddos or family visiting CO! It's a cool spot and love that he found a home in Breck. There are trails nearby and picnic tables. Definitely pick up local take out or bring snacks, go on a trail walk then visit Isak then picnic at the tables near the creek and Aspens. read more
2 years ago
Can we say OMG! When I heard about these Trolls that Thomas Dambo had and is still building I knew I had to conquer all of them and I knew I wanted Isak to be the one to kick off my troll adventures and boy did he not disappoint! Just a short walk up the trail and you get to him. If your visiting the Breckenridge area even or even if your a short drive from Breckenridge so worth the drive! On to number troll number 2 Rita the Rock Planter! read more
4 years ago
Absolutely love this place. It's like a magical garden in The mountains of Breckinridge! Only a short quarter of a mile hike to see the troll. I put a picture with a person in it for perspective, because it is quite large. It literally takes no time to get to, and The hike is very simple. The hike is filled with beautiful trees, A stream, a gorgeous pathway, and at the very end a cool troll! This place gets pretty packed so I will try to go in the late evening or early morning so you can get all of the pictures that you want. Otherwise, you might be in line for a while. We went when it was raining, which was the perfect time because they were only about 10 people there. We were able to take as many pictures as we wanted and just enjoy the view. read more
The troll was cool and pretty large. Everyone lined up to take pictures after a short hike (I expected a 15 minute trail and it was more like 200 feet). The troll footprints were fun for the kids. Take note of the return Trail if it gets snowy there, because the wood planks get slick very quickly. The troll itself was something most people cam appreciate and took a lot of time and talent to produce. read more
This was quite a sight to see in Breckenridge, CO! On our trip to Breckenridge, this was one of our stops out of curiosity. Per gobreck.com, "Isak Heartstone is a 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture located on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado. The newly constructed trailhead is located in the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, next to Illinois Gulch Trailhead." This art piece, made of recycled materials, was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. We went in the winter time where it was somewhat freezing. There was a small line of people already waiting to take pictures with the troll. It was too cold for that so I took a picture from a distance with it before heading back, lol. This was a mini excursion from a larger excursion. The experience was cute. read more
You do not want to miss out on the Troll when in Breck! Free parking (on the day we went) near the Ice Arena. Just look for the Troll footprints. This flat short trail is good for all ages and all physical capabilities. Perfect for anyone in a wheelchair, walker or with strollers. After a short flat walk there he is! Several areas to sit and take everything in, relax and just enjoy. It was fun to watch people of all ages discover and see their reactions. Even if you are just driving through Breck take 10 minutes and don't miss out. I cannot wait to go back in the winter and see him snow covered. read more
3 years ago
Easy 400 foot hike up to see this guy. Not to much of an incline going up. We went mid-afternoon and there were not a lot of people there. The parking lot is free. read more
3 years ago
Such a cool installation!! Easy walk to troll and nicely maintained area. Highly recommend taking the kiddos. read more
3 years ago
This very short hike was beyond words beautiful! A fresh four inches of snow fell and it was so wonderful. All the kids loved it and it is bigger than we thought. The ice rink being close by gives you a hunch if activities to do! Shirt stroll from city center. read more
3 years ago
Missed this the last time we were in Breck. Cute troll and easily accessible to everyone. Right off the parking lot of the skate center. read more
I was so excited to learn that there was one of the legendary troll sculptures in Breckinridge! I had heard about these sculptures years ago, and figured I'd never see them in my lifetime. So imagine my surprise when I read an article saying the artist had built one in Breckinridge of all places! And of course it was even more amazing to see this in person! Definitely worth a look if you're in or close to Breckinridge! read more
4 years ago
Perfect mini trail for members in our party who couldn't do a traditional trail. Picturesque walk to and from the beautiful Isak Heartstone Troll. Such a cool find! Got a bit icy on the boardwalk when snowing so watch your step during winter conditions. read more
5 years ago
I loved this lil trail and photo opportunity. My kids enjoyed the troll and I enjoyed the scenery. I'd walk this short trail again and again! read more
4 years ago
Just a short walk off of Main Street you'll find this amazing sculpture! Once I saw the pictures I knew I couldn't leave without seeing Isak Hearthstone! From the Ice Rink parking lot you just follow the signs down the nicely done wooden path until .... there he is! Very cool sculpture made from recycled materials, it's such a fun little adventure! We went about 3:00 pm, there weren't too many people and most stayed more than six feet away from each other. It's a beautiful area that offers hiking trails and places to just sit and enjoy the scenery. If you are just planning on seeing Isak, the whole experience takes under one hour. If you'd like to hike the trail, I would plan for one to two hours. read more
4 years ago
Very interesting art and subject... a must see will in Breckinridge "Breck" Colorado. We stopped in during the summer, but it seems the autumn would be the best time to stop by. read more
3 years ago
Great spot right off the parking lot. A path to walk in and one for out. It can be crowded for just a moment. read more
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Isak Heartstone Troll - localflavor - Updated May 2026
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