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A Local’s Guide to the Breckenridge Troll: Parking, Trails & Photos
Key Takeaways
Isak Heartstone (also known as the Breckenridge Troll) is a 15-foot recycled-wood sculpture created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, located on Trollstigen Trail near Breck’s Stephen C. West Ice Arena.
There is no trailhead parking, so you’ll want to plan to either walk (~15 min from the Welcome Center), bike (~10 min), or take the free Breck Free Ride bus (~5 min).
Trollstigen trail was upgraded to include an accessible trail in the summer of 2024. The trail is 48 inches wide, has a maximum grade of 3%, and includes two rest areas.
Plan your visit before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. for smaller crowds and the best chance of a photo without strangers sneaking into your image!
When you think of Breckenridge, Colorado, who would you imagine is the most famous resident? You might be surprised to learn that Breck’s most beloved resident is 15 feet tall, made of wood, and has been known to draw more than 3,000 visitors in a single day!
Yes, we’re not talking about a human. Meet Isak Heartstone, Breckenridge’s famous troll sculpture. Isak’s popularity has grown massively over the years, and visiting on your own terms takes a bit of planning. Here’s how the locals do it.
Who is Isak Heartstone?
First, a few introductions are in order. Isak Heartstone was created in 2018 by Danish artist Thomas Dambo for Breck Create.
The sculpture was built as part of the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA) using locally sourced, recycled wood. Dambo enlisted the help of local volunteers to collect scrap wood and pallets, along with pine branches found along the trail – and Isak was brought to life.
The name Isak Heartstone comes from a pretty adorable story. Dambo always references someone involved in the creation of his art – thus the name Isak. Heartstone refers to the stone heart that little girls from the Wellington neighborhood gave to Dambo to place into the sculpture. The name just made sense!
Over the years, the sculpture grew so popular that it began to have a pretty big impact on the local neighborhood. In February 2019, Isak was dismantled and rebuilt in a new location on Trollstigen Trail, where you’ll find him today.
Isak is part of Breck Create’s Public Art Collection, a permanent reminder that art in Breckenridge doesn’t have to live in a gallery – it can find a home in the great outdoors as well!
Is There Parking for the Breckenridge Troll?
If you’re planning to visit Isak Heartstone, it’s important to know how to best get to the sculpture itself. When it comes to parking, There’s no designated troll parking at the Trailhead, and no-parking zones on nearby town and country roads are enforced with fines.
But that doesn’t mean getting to Isak has to be difficult. Breckenridge makes it easy for you to pay Isak a visit in a few different ways:
Take a walk! You can start your walk at the Breckenridge Welcome Center at 203 South Main Street and then head south for about 15 minutes on foot through downtown and past the Highline Railroad Park.
Ride a bike! It only takes about 10 minutes to get to Isak Heartstone by bike. Bike racks are available at the trailhead. Just note that bikes are not permitted on the Trollstigen Trail itself.
Take the bus! The Breck Free Ride service is the fastest and easiest way to get to the Breckenridge Troll. The free bus service leaves from Breckenridge Station near the gondola and can get you to Isak in about five minutes.
If you are arriving by car, you can either leave it where you’re staying or use one of Breckenridge’s town parking lots.
The south gondola garage is free May through October. The F lot is free after 3:00 p.m. in the summer. Click here to see all the different options for free parking before you go.
Breck Create Pro Top: Did you know you can use the Breck Free Ride trip planner online to map the exact stop near the Ice Arena trailhead? It only takes about two minutes to plan – and it can save you a full 15-minute walk on the return!
Is There A Trail to Isak Heartstone?
One of the best ways to enjoy a visit to Isak Heartstone is by taking the Trail.
The Trailhead is in the southeast corner of the Stevens-Sea West Ice Arena parking lot next to the Illinois Gulch Trailhead. From there, you’ll find Trollstigen Trail: a short one-way directional path that leads to the sculpture!
With such popularity, the trail needed some upkeep. The Trollstigen Trail was upgraded to meet accessible trail standards in summer 2024. But some parts may not be perfectly smooth, so make sure you wear appropriate footwear.
If you want to take a longer outing, you can pick up the Illinois Gulch/Southside Trail before connecting back to Trollstigen. That loop adds around 1.5 miles to your trip and will take you through some of Summit County’s best trail scenery.
One important note: Trollstigen Trail is not maintained during the winter. During the spring, you may find that the trail is covered by snow and ice or caked with mud. Always check the weather before you head out.
How Do You Get The Best Photos at the Breckenridge Troll?
For being a giant wood troll, Isak is pretty photogenic. While you can get a great picture of him year-round, timing does help. We always tell visitors to visit Isak before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to get softer light and much smaller crowds.
Here are a few more tips for getting the best pictures (and staying out of trouble!)
No drones allowed: Drone photography and videography are prohibited under local Breckenridge ordinance. You can check out the town’s drone permitting page for more details.
No climbing: He looks fun, but try to refrain from climbing on Isak. Climbing poses a safety risk and can cause real wear on a real sculpture! Always respect art from a distance.
Stay on the trail: Many visitors don’t realize that taking shortcuts can damage the surrounding vegetation and soil near the sculpture. When trying to get the perfect shot of Isak, try to compose it from the designated pathway.
Leave no trace: Always leave the area better than you found it. Use the trash receptacles at the trailhead and leave everything where you found it. Please don’t add anything to the sculpture – Isak is beautiful as he is!
Plan Your Visit to Isak Heartstone – and See More Great Breck Art While You’re Here
We love inviting people to come visit Isak Heartstone. The sculpture is free and open year-round, making it one of the best public art experiences in Colorado.
While you’re here, make sure to stop by the Breck Create Arts District campus and check out the full Breck Create public art collection. Make a full creative day out of your visit!
We can’t wait to welcome you to Breck – And say hello to Isak for us when you see him!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Breckenridge Troll?
Isak Heartstone, the Breckenridge Troll, is located on Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado. The trailhead is in the southeast corner of the Steven C. West Ice Arena parking lot.
Is there free parking for the Breckenridge Troll?
No, there is no designated Troll parking at the trailhead, and nearby town and country roads are designated as “no-parking” – so you may incur a fine if you park illegally.
How long is the walk to the Breckenridge Troll?
On average, it only takes about 15 minutes to walk from the Breckenridge Welcome Center to Isak Heartstone. You can add the Illinois Gulch/Southside Trail loop for an extra 1.5 mi of trail time.
Is Trollstigen Trail an accessible trail?
Trollstigen Trail was upgraded in 2024 to meet trail accessibility standards. The trail is firmly compacted, 48 inches wide, and has a maximum grade of 3%. There are also two rest areas along the trail. Supportive footwear is still recommended, and the trail is not maintained in the winter.
Can I fly a drone to take pictures at the Breckenridge Troll?
No, drone photography and videography are strictly prohibited under a Town of Breckenridge ordinance. You can learn more about the ordinances and other restrictions online.