How to See the 15ft Breckenridge Troll

breckenrdige troll

If you’re in Breckenridge make sure to add this stop on your list. Wondering where you can see the Breckenridge troll? The Instagram worthy spot is surprisingly just a short drive from Main Street. See how to get there and what to expect!

Where is the Breckenridge Troll?

Located on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado. The giant Troll is only a short drive from Main Street in the Illinois Creek Trailhead. It’s about a mile south from downtown. The easiest way to get to the wooden sculpture is by parking at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot. Here’s the troll hike address:

Illinois Gulch, Breckenridge, CO 80424

illinois creek trailhead entrance

The entry to Illinois Creek Trailhead is on the South West end of the parking lot. There you’ll see signs of a chubby troll pointing in the direction of Isak Heartstone.

trollstigen trail signs

After a short .25 mile walk along Trollstigen Trail, resting among the Rocky Mountain trees, you’ll find the giant but gentle looking wooden troll.

The trail to the Troll is only 400 feet and a flat scenic walk. By the time you park, you’ll be to the Troll in 5 mins!

hike to breckenridge troll

Meet Isak Heartstone

The famous Breckenridge Troll is named Isak Heartstone. It was built in 2018 by Thomas Dambo for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts. The Danish recycle artist is known for building sculptures using recycled materials and trash. The Breckenridge Troll is just one of many, Dambo has created over 50 Trolls around the world!

isak heartstone the troll

He got his name after three little girls, came by and gave Isak a stone heart, which Thomas installed in the sculpture. 

isak the breckenridge troll

How long does it take to get to the Breckenridge Troll?

The 15 foot wooden troll sculpture is only a 5 minute walk from the parking lot. The troll trail is only .25 miles. This is a popular spot, so depending on the time of year and how many people are visiting, plan to be there 10-30 mins.

What’s the best time of year to see the Breckenridge Troll?

Isak Heartstone can be visited year round! Spring, summer, and fall are the most popular months for this tourist attraction. However we visited in February and there was not many people there. In the winter months, be cautious as the flat trail can be snowy and icy.

Where is the Breckenridge troll now?

You must have heard Isak Heartstone had moved! It’s true, the Breckenridge troll once lived near a neighborhood but brought too much traffic before moving to its new resting spot in Illinois Gulch. Isak was so popular, that on some days he would have more than 3,000 visitors. 

breckenridge troll
See what Isak looked like before he moved – here. | Credit: Dambo

Is there a restroom at the Breckenridge Troll hike?

Even though the hike to see the troll is short, there’s 2 porta potties at the entrance of the trail when we were there.

Are dogs allowed at the Breckenridge troll hike?

Yes, your furry friend is allowed on the troll hike just make sure to keep them on a leash. We met a sweet dog name Oakley during our visit.

couple hiking to breckenridge troll

Have you seen the famous 15 foot Breckenridge Troll? Comment below and let us know!

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About Me

Hi, I'm Carly! While working full time, we travel and explore as much as we can. Especially on the weekends. I want to inspire you on new places to see and fun things to do as a family while juggling it all.

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