This was my first peak ever. We didn't really know what we are doing, so we set hiked to the top from Highland Valley Road off Idaho 21.

Initially Highland Valley Road heads west, then intersects East Shaw Mountain Road. Follow East Shaw Mountain Road north as it winds along the ridge to the base of the peak. At the base of the peak, the road goes into the trees, then turns west and leads to the summit.

The summit has impressive views of Boise and the rest of the Treasure Valley! In 2012, we watched fireworks from the top. In addition to all of the fireworks in the major towns like Boise, Meridian, Nampa... we could see fireworks going off in Mountain Home, Idaho City, etc.

In the winter, the road is closed to vehicles and there are large numbers of deer and elk in the area. It is feasible to snowshoe the road.

There are several other routes to the top of Shaw. See the photo of the map where I put the corresponding numbers:
#2 IDFG road - this route leaves ID 21 at the Fish and Game building. It follows roads to the summit. Zach Vickery and I snowshoed that route after a heavy snow once.

#3 Council Springs (Homestead Trail) - This is a long route, but quite fun. Follow the road leaving the Harris Ranch subdivision to the summit.

#4 West Highland Valley Trail - This is actually one of my favorite routes. Follow the West Highland Valley Trail (an old road) until it meets East Shaw Mountain Road. Follow the road to the summit.

Take ID 21 out of Boise to the intersection with Highland Valley Road. The road is gated in the winter/spring. There is parking for 6 or 7 vehicles just off the highway.

From Idaho 21, Highland Valley Road heads west and intersects East Shaw Mountain Road. Follow East Shaw Mountain Road north as it winds along the ridge to the base of the peak. At the base of the peak, the road goes into the trees, then turns west and leads to the summit.