Illinois Creek Trail Breckenridge
Discover Isak Heartstone, a giant wooden troll, on the easy Illinois Creek Trail in Breckenridge. A whimsical art adventure!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Illinois Creek Trail Breckenridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Isak Heartstone, a giant wooden troll, on the easy Illinois Creek Trail in Breckenridge. A whimsical art adventure!
"A unique, family-friendly hike to find a giant troll nestled in the woods."
🎯 Find the Troll Easily
The troll is just a short walk from the Illinois Creek Trailhead. Look for signs for Trollstigen Trail!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is beginner-friendly, but good walking shoes are recommended, especially if exploring further.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Isak Heartstone Troll
Illinois Creek Trailhead
Discover the whimsical, 15-foot-tall wooden troll sculpture nestled in the woods. A unique photo opportunity!
Illinois Creek Trail
Breckenridge, Colorado
Enjoy a peaceful, beginner-friendly hike through greenery and flowers, with a charming creek alongside.
Interactive Log Feature
Off the Illinois Creek Low Trail
A unique, child-friendly art installation made of logs, offering a fun discovery for families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Meet the Troll!
Trail Conditions & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Troll Easily
The troll is just a short walk from the Illinois Creek Trailhead. Look for signs for Trollstigen Trail! 
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is beginner-friendly, but good walking shoes are recommended, especially if exploring further.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along! The trail is dog-friendly, but keep them leashed.
🚫 Respect the Troll
Please do not climb or sit on Isak Heartstone. He prefers to be admired from a distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Troll Easily
The troll is just a short walk from the Illinois Creek Trailhead. Look for signs for Trollstigen Trail!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is beginner-friendly, but good walking shoes are recommended, especially if exploring further.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along! The trail is dog-friendly, but keep them leashed.
🚫 Respect the Troll
Please do not climb or sit on Isak Heartstone. He prefers to be admired from a distance.
❄️ Winter Caution
Trails can be icy in winter and are not maintained. Be cautious if visiting during colder months.
🌳 Explore Beyond the Troll
While the troll is a highlight, the trail offers more. Hike further for a quieter, more immersive nature experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Illinois Creek Trail for its accessibility, the unique charm of the Isak Heartstone troll, and the peaceful natural setting. It's a popular spot, especially for families, though some note that the area near the trailhead could benefit from better upkeep. The trail offers a pleasant, easy hike with opportunities to enjoy the creek and surrounding greenery.
"Great hiking area around Breckenridge. Wide well maintained trails. There is a wooden troll sculpture down the trail about 2 minutes. This trail is very popular and will typically be quite busy. The parking lot is large and has plenty of parking. The kids loved it."
Jrod K
"This trail was great for my gf and I to get off the main roads and trails and away from people for awhile.
It’s not super busy, very easy to navigate and walk, and quiet.
The trail is beautiful, nothing stunning like the peaks of mountains, but it’s filled with greenery and flowers and it just makes you feel at peace."
Billy Dahlor
"The parking lot is very close to the trail. The entrance to the trail had a lot of garbage laying around. A lot. I'm hoping it was just an error made during trash removal, but that area was in desperate need of raking and cleaning up. But after you get past that, the trail area is very wide and well taken care of."
Jana West
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Illinois Creek Trailhead is conveniently located near downtown Breckenridge, often accessible via the Illinois Creek Trailhead parking lot. Some social media posts mention it's near the Ice Arena.
Yes, there is a large parking lot at the trailhead that typically has plenty of space. Parking is often free. +1
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, Breckenridge has a free town shuttle system that might be an option to get close to the trailhead. It's best to check local transit schedules.
Yes, the trail is generally easy to find, especially the path leading to the troll. Signs for Trollstigen Trail often guide visitors.
The troll, Isak Heartstone, is easily accessible via the Trollstigen Trail, which starts near the Illinois Creek Trailhead. It's a very short walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no fee to access the Illinois Creek Trail or to see the troll sculpture. Parking is also typically free.
The trail is open year-round during daylight hours. However, it can be icy and unmaintained in winter.
The troll sculpture, Isak Heartstone, is a public art installation and there is no admission fee to view it.
While the trail is accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns, especially in winter.
No reservations are needed for the Illinois Creek Trail. It's a public access area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Seeing the troll is very quick, often just a few minutes of walking from the trailhead. Many visitors spend a bit longer enjoying the surrounding trail.
The trail is considered beginner-friendly and easy to navigate, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
Absolutely! The easy terrain and the unique troll make it a hit with kids. There's also an interactive log feature for them to discover.
Yes, the creek alongside the trail is a popular spot for dogs and people to cool off, especially during warmer months.
Expect a beautiful, green environment with flowers and trees. While not dramatic mountain peaks, it offers a peaceful, natural setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The troll sculpture itself is the most photographed element. The creek and surrounding greenery also offer lovely nature shots.
Yes, the troll provides a fun and unique backdrop for family photos, especially with children.
Morning light can be beautiful, offering softer shadows. However, the trail is shaded, so midday can also work well.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules and regulations before flying a drone in this area.
Try different angles to capture the troll's scale. Interacting with the troll (without touching) can make for fun shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the troll, keep an eye out for the interactive log feature off the low trail – another fun surprise for kids. The creek running alongside parts of the trail also provides opportunities for play and cooling off. Remember to bring sturdy shoes, as the trail can be uneven in places, and pack snacks and water for a comfortable outing.
+1🐶 Dog Owners
+1 The trail offers a pleasant walk through nature, and the creek provides a refreshing spot for dogs to splash and cool down, especially during warmer months. While the main path to the troll is popular, venturing further along the trail can offer more secluded spots for your dog to explore. Just ensure your dog remains leashed to respect other visitors and wildlife.
🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Nature Lovers
While the troll is a unique attraction, don't hesitate to explore beyond it. The trail system offers opportunities for a longer, quiet walk, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the area at your own pace. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and some fresh mountain air.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Discovering Isak Heartstone: The Troll of Breckenridge
+2Finding Isak is part of the adventure. The trail leading to him is short and easy, making it a popular destination for families and casual visitors. Many TikTok and Instagram creators highlight the joy of discovering this unique sculpture, often describing it as a 'hidden gem' or a 'must-see' in Breckenridge.
+2It's important to remember that Isak Heartstone is a piece of art meant to be admired. Visitors are kindly asked not to climb on or sit on the troll to help preserve it for future enjoyment. The trail is generally well-maintained, but it's always wise to check conditions, especially during winter months when it can become icy.
Exploring the Illinois Creek Trail System
Several social media posts mention exploring different sections of the trail, including the 'Illinois Creek Low Trail' and 'Illinois Creek High Trail.' This suggests a network of paths that can accommodate various preferences. One Reddit user even noted finding an intriguing 'inverted teepee structure' made of logs on the high trail, adding an element of unexpected discovery.
The trail is also noted for its accessibility and suitability for dogs, with a creek running alongside in parts, offering a refreshing spot for pets (and people!) to cool off.
Whether you're seeking a quick photo op with the troll or a longer, more tranquil walk in the woods, the Illinois Creek Trail system provides a lovely natural retreat. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit