Looking for an easy Breckenridge adventure that’s a little different from your typical mountain hike? Meet Isak Heartstone, better known as the Breckenridge Troll.
This 15-foot wooden sculpture is tucked into the forest just outside Downtown Breckenridge, and getting there only requires a short walk along Trollstigen Trail. Whether you’re visiting Breck for the first time or have somehow never made the trip to see Isak, here’s everything you need to know about the Breckenridge Troll, including where to find him, how long the hike takes, where to park, and what to expect along the way.
What is the Breckenridge Troll?
The Breckenridge Troll is a 15-foot-tall wooden sculpture named Isak Heartstone. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, Isak is made from reclaimed and recycled materials and has become one of Breckenridge’s most recognizable attractions.
Originally created in 2018 as part of the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, Isak quickly became a local celebrity. His original location drew so many visitors that the sculpture was eventually dismantled and rebuilt in 2019 at its current home along Trollstigen Trail.
Today, Isak sits among the trees just outside Downtown Breckenridge, making him an easy addition to a day spent exploring town.
Who Is Thomas Dambo?
Thomas Dambo is a Danish artist known around the world for creating enormous sculptures from recycled and reclaimed materials.
Before building giant trolls, Dambo worked as a street artist. His work eventually evolved into large-scale installations that combine art, nature, storytelling, and sustainability. His trolls can now be found around the world, often hidden in forests, parks, and other outdoor spaces that encourage visitors to explore.
Isak Heartstone is one piece of that much larger family, and one that has become particularly tied to Breckenridge.
Where Is the Breckenridge Troll?
Isak Heartstone is located on Trollstigen Trail near the Stephen C. West Ice Arena and Illinois Gulch Trailhead.
The Trollstigen trailhead is southeast of the ice arena. Once you’re there, keep an eye out for the troll footprints on the pavement pointing you toward the trail.
If you’re starting from the Breckenridge Welcome Center at 203 S. Main Street, it’s roughly a 15-minute walk to the trailhead. You can also bike there in about 10 minutes or use Breckenridge’s free public transportation.
How Long Is the Hike to the Breckenridge Troll?
The hike itself is short. Trollstigen Trail is approximately 0.25 mile to Isak Heartstone, making this much more of a quick forest walk than a traditional Breckenridge hike.
If you’re looking for something longer, you can incorporate the nearby Illinois Gulch/Southside Trail before connecting back to Trollstigen. That route adds roughly 1.5 miles and gives you a little more time on the trails before meeting Isak.
Is the Breckenridge Troll Hike Difficult?
For most visitors, Trollstigen is considered an easy trail.
The trail was upgraded in 2024 to make the route more accessible. It is now approximately 48 inches wide with a firm, compacted surface, a maximum grade of 3%, and two rest areas along the way.
Conditions can change considerably with the seasons, though. Trollstigen is not maintained during the winter, which means snow, ice, mud, and slick sections are possible depending on when you visit. Wear appropriate shoes and check conditions before heading out, particularly during winter and the spring thaw.
Where Do You Park for the Breckenridge Troll?
This is one place where planning ahead helps: there is no designated Troll parking at the trailhead, and nearby no-parking areas are enforced.
Instead of driving directly to Isak, Breckenridge recommends walking, biking, or using the free Breck Free Ride.
If you’re already spending the day downtown, you can simply make the roughly 15-minute walk from the Breckenridge Welcome Center. Visitors arriving by car can also use one of Breckenridge’s public parking areas and continue to the trailhead on foot or by bus.
Once you reach Trollstigen, bikes need to stay behind at the trailhead because they aren’t permitted on the trail itself.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Breckenridge Troll?
Isak is one popular guy, so the trail can get busy during peak travel periods.
For fewer crowds, consider visiting before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. You’ll have a better chance of enjoying a quieter walk and getting a photo with Isak without quite as many fellow troll hunters in the background.
The sculpture can be visited year-round, but remember that winter conditions are a different story. Trollstigen isn’t maintained during the winter, so be prepared for snow and ice.
A Few Things to Know Before Visiting Isak Heartstone
Part of the fun of finding Isak is that he feels like he belongs in the forest — and keeping his home that way takes a little help from everyone who visits.
Stay on the designated trail and pack out anything you bring with you. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed, while bikes should be left at the trailhead. Visitors should also avoid climbing on Isak or adding anything to the sculpture.
And while the setting practically begs for dramatic footage, leave the drone at home. Drone photography and videography are prohibited in the area.
More Fun Facts About Breck’s Wooden Troll
The Breckenridge Troll Has a Name
The troll’s full name is Isak Heartstone, and there’s a pretty great story behind it.
While Dambo had already chosen the name Isak, a group of local girls gave him a heart-shaped stone during the sculpture’s creation. Dambo incorporated the stone into Isak’s chest, giving Breckenridge’s troll the name Isak Heartstone.
Isak Was So Popular He Had to Move
Isak wasn’t always located on Trollstigen Trail.
After his original installation in 2018, the troll attracted huge crowds, creating concerns for the surrounding neighborhood. Isak was dismantled in early 2019 before being rebuilt at his current location later that year.
His new home gives visitors a dedicated trail for finding him while keeping the experience rooted in the Breckenridge landscape that inspired the installation in the first place.
Isak Has Family Around the World
Isak is far from Thomas Dambo’s only giant troll. Dambo has created recycled-material sculptures around the world, turning troll hunting into an adventure that stretches far beyond Colorado.
Colorado even has another Dambo troll: Rita the Rock Planter in Victor, giving dedicated troll hunters another stop to add to a Colorado road trip.
Make the Breckenridge Troll Part of Your Day in Breck
One of the best things about visiting Isak is that it doesn’t have to take up your entire day. The short trail and location near Downtown Breckenridge make it easy to work a troll hunt into a bigger day of hiking, shopping, eating, or exploring town.
Just remember that you’re still heading into the mountains. Bring water, wear shoes that make sense for the season, check the weather, and give yourself a little extra time if you’re visiting during a busy weekend or holiday.
Stop By Breckenridge Organic Therapy Along the Way
Breckenridge Organic Therapy is just a few miles from Isak Heartstone, making us an easy stop before or after your troll hunt.
Whether you’re spending the rest of the day exploring Breckenridge, heading out for another hike, or settling in after a day outside, you can browse our recreational cannabis menu and find something that fits your plans.
Just remember: Colorado cannabis products are for adults 21 and older, and cannabis should be enjoyed responsibly and legally. Don’t consume while driving, and be mindful of where consumption is permitted while you’re out exploring Breckenridge.
