How to Find the Breckenridge Troll: Visiting Isak Heartstone

How to Find the Breckenridge Troll: Visiting Isak Heartstone

Hidden among the pine trees just outside downtown Breckenridge, a 15-foot wooden troll watches over the forest with a heart of stone. His name is Isak Heartstone, and he's become one of Breckenridge's most beloved — and most photographed — attractions.

If you're planning a visit, here's everything you need to know to find him, what to expect on the trail, and the remarkable story behind this giant sculpture.

Who Made the Breckenridge Troll?

Isak Heartstone was created by Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist internationally renowned for building large-scale sculptures out of recycled and reclaimed materials. Dambo has installed dozens of trolls around the world, each one a champion of sustainability and upcycling. In 2023, he completed his 100th troll — a mysterious sculpture hidden at an undisclosed location, findable only by decoding clues from all 99 previous installations.

Isak was co-commissioned by the Town of Breckenridge and Breck Create, the local arts nonprofit that programs the Breckenridge Arts District. The sculpture debuted as part of the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA) and quickly captured the imagination of visitors and locals alike.

The Troll's Story: Built, Dismantled, Rebuilt

Isak Heartstone's journey hasn't been straightforward — and that's part of what makes visiting him special.

2018: Dambo originally built Isak Heartstone along the Wellington Trail, a wooded path that ran directly behind a cluster of private homes. The troll was an instant hit, drawing huge crowds — but the location created friction with nearby residents dealing with traffic, noise, and parking congestion on their streets.

2019: The Town of Breckenridge made the difficult decision to dismantle the original sculpture. But Isak's fans wouldn't let him go. The people of Breckenridge missed him so much that when Dambo returned in the summer of 2019 — while installing another project — he agreed to rebuild Isak at a new location. On June 21, 2019, the rebuilt Isak Heartstone was unveiled on the purpose-built Trollstigen Trail ("Troll Trail" in Norwegian), where he stands today.

The new site solved the neighborhood issues while giving the troll a permanent, dedicated home with proper trail infrastructure, signage, and parking strategy.

Where Is Isak Heartstone? (Exact Location)

Isak Heartstone lives on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado. The trailhead is located in the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, next to the Illinois Gulch Trailhead.

Address for GPS: 710 Wellington Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424 (Stephen C. West Ice Arena). The trailhead is on the far side of the lot from the arena entrance.

Look for troll footprints painted on the pavement — they lead you from the parking lot to the trailhead.

How to Get There (Without a Car)

Breckenridge strongly encourages visitors to walk, bike, or take the free bus to the troll. There is no parking at the trailhead itself, and street parking in the surrounding neighborhood is strictly enforced — $50 tickets are routinely issued to illegally parked vehicles.

Starting from the Breckenridge Welcome Center (203 S. Main St.):

• Walking (15 minutes): Head south on Main Street, turn left at the traffic light onto Boreas Pass Road, and continue about 0.25 miles. You'll pass the High Line Railroad Park on your right. The Stephen C. West Ice Arena will be on your right; the trailhead is in the southeast corner of its lot, by the Illinois Gulch Trailhead.

• Biking (10 minutes): From the Welcome Center, head east on Washington Street, turn right on French Street, and continue to Boreas Pass Road. Turn left and cross toward the Ice Arena. Note: Bikes are not allowed on the Trollstigen Trail itself — use the bike racks at the trailhead.

• Bus (5 minutes): The Breck Free Ride system (breckfreeride.com, 970-547-3140) is Breckenridge's free public transit. The Trolley Route runs regularly from Breckenridge Station (next to the BreckConnect Gondola base) and can get you close to the trailhead. Check current schedules at breckfreeride.com, as routes and times vary by season.

If You Must Drive:

Park at the South/North Gondola Lots or F-Lot in town (paid parking; these fill by 10:00 AM during peak season). For free parking, use the Satellite Lot on your way into town via I-70 and ride the Breck Free Ride bus in. From there, walk or bus to the trailhead.

If you're staying in Breckenridge, check whether your lodging offers a shuttle — many do, and it's the easiest option.

The Trollstigen Trail: What to Expect

The Trollstigen Trail is a short, 0.25-mile loop — it's one of the easiest "hikes" in Breckenridge. It's a one-way directional trail, meaning you follow it in a single direction from the trailhead to Isak and back.

Trail Features:

• Length: 0.25 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Very easy — suitable for all ages and fitness levels
• Accessibility: As of summer 2024, the trail has been upgraded to an accessible path — 48 inches wide, firm and compacted surface, maximum 3% grade, with two rest areas along the way. Visitors of all abilities can reach Isak.
• Time: Allow 15–30 minutes round trip, more if you're taking photos (and you will be)
• Bikes: Not permitted on the trail; use bike racks at the trailhead
• Dogs: Allowed but must remain on leash at all times

Winter Visiting:

Important: The Trollstigen Trail is not maintained during winter months. If you visit between November and April, expect snow, ice, mud, and slick conditions. Wear proper footwear with traction, dress warmly, and proceed at your own risk. The trail remains open, but Breckenridge does not clear or groom it.

Visiting Tips: Do the Troll Right

1. Go early or late. Isak is Breckenridge's most popular outdoor art installation. For a quieter experience — and better photos without crowds — visit before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM.

2. Don't climb on the troll. Isak is a piece of art, not a jungle gym. Climbing damages the sculpture and is not permitted. Help keep him intact for future visitors.

3. Leave no trace. There is no garbage service along the trail. Pack out everything you bring in, including food wrappers and peels. Use the trash receptacle at the trailhead.

4. Don't add anything to the troll. Visitors sometimes leave trinkets, stickers, or paint — please don't. Dambo's trolls are designed to evolve naturally with weather and time.

5. Stay on the trail. The trail passes through private property in places. Taking shortcuts damages vegetation and can cause erosion. Stick to the designated path.

6. No drones. Drone photography and videography are prohibited at the troll.

7. Tag your photos #BreckLife. Share your troll encounter and help spread the word about Breckenridge's arts and culture scene.

Is There an Entrance Fee?

No — visiting Isak Heartstone is completely free. The Trollstigen Trail is open year-round, and there's no gate, ticket, or reservation required. This makes it one of the best free things to do in Breckenridge, especially for families.

How Long Will Isak Be There?

The Town of Breckenridge has committed to keeping Isak Heartstone for as long as he stays intact and visitors treat him responsibly. The sculpture is made from recycled wood and natural materials, so it will weather and age over time — but that's part of Dambo's artistic vision. The town asks visitors to help preserve the site so Isak can welcome guests for many years to come.

Planning Your Breckenridge Troll Visit

Isak Heartstone is a perfect addition to a day exploring Breckenridge. Here's how to pair it with other experiences:

• Morning: Visit the troll early, then head to Main Street for breakfast and shopping. (Our Main Street Walking Guide — coming soon — covers the best stops.)

• Afternoon: After visiting Isak, explore more of Breckenridge's outdoor art scene through Breck Create's public art collection, or head out on one of the Best Fall Hikes in Breckenridge for a longer trail experience.

• Full day: Combine the troll with the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster for a family-friendly day of art and adventure. Need a place to stay? See our Complete Lodging Guide for Breckenridge's best hotels, condos, and vacation rentals.

• Seasonal fun: If you're visiting in September, don't miss Breckenridge Oktoberfest — Colorado's biggest fall beer festival.

Want to Explore More of Breckenridge?

Isak Heartstone is just the beginning. Breckenridge is packed with free and low-cost outdoor activities, public art installations, and cultural experiences. For a fun, self-guided way to discover the town's hidden gems — including stops near the troll trail — consider a Breckenridge Scavenger Hunt through Viator. These mobile-based adventures take you through town at your own pace, combining history, trivia, and exploration.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep creating free Breckenridge content.

Quick Facts

The Bottom Line

Isak Heartstone is more than a photo op — he's a symbol of Breckenridge's commitment to public art, sustainability, and community. Whether you're a family with kids, a couple seeking a romantic forest stroll, or a solo traveler chasing Dambo's global troll collection, the short walk to Isak is one of Breckenridge's most rewarding (and free) experiences.

So lace up your boots, follow the troll footprints, and go say hello. Just remember: take only photos, leave only footprints, and don't climb on the troll.

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Sources: gobreck.com (official Breckenridge tourism site), breckcreate.org (Breck Create arts nonprofit), thomasdambo.com (artist's official site). Information verified October 2026. Trail conditions and accessibility features confirmed via gobreck.com.