Isak Heartstone (Breckenridge Troll)
Breckenridge, CO, 80424
Isak Heartstone, a public art piece in Breckenridge, is a 15-foot (4.5-meter) wooden sculpture designed by Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist who used recycled materials as a medium. It was created during the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in 2018 and co-commissioned by the city. Isak Heartstone is one of the main features of the new Trollstigen trailhead.
The basics
The Breckenridge Troll is made of recycled materials, so while it’s impressive, it will only last for as long as the elements allow it to—and visitors play their part by leaving no trace in the area. You can follow the Troll Footprints from the Trollstigen trailhead to Isak, but do this when hiking in the warmer months, since the trail isn’t maintained in the winter. Some great new upgrades mean the trail now has rest areas and a compacted surface to enable accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.
Things to know before you go
Though large and friendly, Isak is an art piece, so don’t climb him.
You can bike to the trailhead, but must leave your bike at a rack there. The path is for walking and is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Drone photography isn’t permitted.
How to get there
Isak Heartstone is located near the Stephen C. West Ice Arena on the Trollstigen Trail (not to be confused with the Illinois Gulch Trailhead, which is next to the arena parking lot as well). You can take the Gray or Boreas Pass bus or the Main Street Trolley to the Ice Rink stop and walk to the Breckenridge Troll in a few minutes.
When to get there
The Breckenridge Troll is a year-round public art piece. In the warmer months, you might see more hikers stopping for photo ops. Winter may bring fewer visitors—and it’s important to note the trail is not maintained during these months. Though it’s within a few minutes’ walk of the Ice Rink parking lot, it’s best to visit this sculpture in daylight to stay as safe as possible.
Explore more of Breck Create’s public art
Isak Heartstone has brother and sister sculptures around the world, the closest being Rita the Rock Planter in Victor, Colorado. You don’t have to leave Breckenridge to find more public art, though. Breck Create has commissioned public art pieces throughout the Breckenridge Arts District, and you can take self-guided and audio-tours of the collection.
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