Shirttail Peak is the highest point in Eldorado Canyon State Park in Colorado. With Eldorado Canyon being well known for its world-class rock climbing, Shirttail Peak is generally not thought of as a hiking destination. As of the year 2000 publishing of the Rock Climbing Eldorado Canyon guidebook by Richard Rossiter, there are 18 separate class 5 climbing routes on Shirttail Peak, ranging from 5.5 to 5.12a.

However, there is at least one route to the summit that doesn't involve class 5 climbing, and that route involves only short sections of class 4 climbing.

The peak is characterized by its pyramidal summit which rises over an already-dramatic foundation of sheer rock walls that are popular with rock climbers. At the base of Shirttail Peak to the northwest resides the classic Rincon Wall, and farther down the ridge to the south is the ultra-classic Red Garden Wall.

Shirttail Peak is one of five named minor summits in the Boulder Group of peaks, the others being The Nebel Horn, Dinosaur Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, and Mount Sanitas. Each of these peaks sits in the shadows of Boulder's major summits: Eldorado Mountain, South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, and Green Mountain.

The peak is unranked when using the Colorado Summit Criterion because it has only 80 feet of prominence above the saddle connecting it with South Boulder Peak.

From the summit, one can dizzyingly peer off the south side almost straight down to the canyon floor 1400 feet below. One is also rewarded with great views of the Indian Peaks to the west, Eldorado Mountain to the south, the plains to the east, and South Boulder Peak to the north.

Getting There

The logical trailhead to get to the summit of Shirttail Peak is the Eldorado Canyon Trailhead.

Eldorado Canyon Trailhead (6060 ft.)

From Boulder, take Hwy 93 south to Hwy 170. From Denver, one can take Hwy 93 north to Hwy 170. Take Hwy 170 east to the town of Eldorado Springs. Continue through Eldorado Springs to the entrance of Eldorado Canyon State Park. Pay your fee, then continue on Hwy 170 until you see the sign leading you to the park office and visitor center off to the left. Take that left branch down to the visitor center and the large parking area. This is the farthest point into the canyon that visitors are allowed to travel by vehicle.

The trailhead is clearly marked on the north side of the parking area, east of the visitor center.

Red Tape

As of 2008, Eldorado Canyon State Park charges a $6.00 fee per vehicle per day.

Camping

The park is open from dawn to dusk (daylight hours only). Overnight camping or parking is prohibited.

Seasons

The best time to ascend the peak is spring, summer, or fall. Winter snow/ice would make the class 4 scrambling treacherous.