Updated March 2, 2021
There is so much to see and do when visiting Summit County in the summer, but the Breckenridge troll hike should not be missed. Adults and kids alike will appreciate the easy stroll to the gigantic troll in the woods on the outskirts of town. It is also a great hike to do in the winter.
What is the Breckenridge Troll?
The Breckenridge troll, named Isak Heartstone, is a fifteen-foot tall troll that was constructed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. He is made entirely out of reclaimed wood pallets and other recyclable materials. The artist named the troll Isak Heartstone because of a heart-shaped stone placed inside his chest.
The Story of the Breckenridge Troll
In 2018 the town of Breckenridge commissioned Thomas Dambo to construct Isak near a neighborhood east of town. As word got out about the incredible and unusual work of art, visitors flocked to see the Breckenridge troll by the thousands.
Sadly, the town of Breckenridge didn’t have the foresight to construct the troll in an area with available parking. Apparently, the town didn’t realize that Isak Heartstone would become so popular.
Visitors started flooding in by the thousands to see the troll and parking quickly became an issue. The nearby neighborhood has extremely limited parking for residents. Troll seekers started parking in the resident’s driveways, blocking roads and leaving garbage. The residents enjoyed having Isak within walking distance of their neighborhood but weren’t happy that their once quiet neighborhood was suddenly a tourist attraction.
The contention built and built between the residents of the neighborhood and the town of Breckenridge. In the fall of 2018, the town of Breckenridge made the decision to dismantle the troll.
After Isak was dismantled, there were rumors he would eventually be reconstructed in a different location but nothing was officially announced until the spring of 2019.
Thomas Dambo again came to Breckenridge, this time to reconstruct Isak Heartstone. The beloved troll is now sitting in a different stance but the artist used much of the same reclaimed materials.
Where is the New Breckenridge Troll Trailhead aka Trollstigen?
The new location for the Isak Heartstone is so much better! Parking is available in the huge Stephen C West Ice Arena parking lot South of town. Heading south on Main Street in Breckenridge, turn left onto Boreas Pass Road. The parking lot will be on your right after you pass the Ice Arena. Park in the southeast corner by the Illinois Creek Trailhead and you will see the trail.
You can also take the Breckenridge Free Ride Bus. The blue route will take you right to the Ice Arena where the trailhead is located.
You can’t miss the Trollstigen sign a few feet away.
The town of Breckenridge has done a wonderful job creating the new trail. It is a loop trail, one way in and one way out to prevent traffic jams on busy days. Once you arrive at the troll there is plenty of room for a crowd.
The “hike” is only 400 feet so it is more of a walk but it is perfect for all ages and abilities.
There are picnic tables near a stream at the end of the hike. It’s the perfect place for a picnic.
Hopefully, Isak Heartstone is here to stay in Breckenridge at the new location. He is an amazing work of art and definitely worth taking time to see if you are in Breckenridge.
For more awesome and easy hikes around Breckenridge check out – 5 Easy Hikes in Breckenridge (and Nearby) That are Just Right for Kids
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Amy Martin says
How fun!! My kids would love this. We’ll have to make our way there soon!
TravelswithEli says
You should check it out if you get a chance, it is awesome for kids and adults. We took my in-laws and they loved it!