JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Don’t be fooled by the name, Cream Puff Peak can be a real challenge, especially when it is hot and sunny. The approach to the 9,685’ peak, while a very gradual grade, is mostly open and in direct southern exposure. But for a route that takes a hiker from the valley floor up 3,200 feet in elevation gain, this one is doable and requires zero climbing or scrambling.
Like nearby Monument and Munger peaks, Cream Puff is fairly easily accessed yet offers spectacular “king of the hill” views because it is situated just right. This hike is a good early season jaunt because the route melts off early.
Cream Puff Peak is located in the Gros Ventre Wilderness between Camp Creek and Little Granite Creek, north of Highway 189 at about the Hoback Campground. Snowmelt from the mountain feeds Poison Creek to the southwest and Bear Creek to the southeast.
A few options exist for conquering the peak. Masochists can find a couple of elk trails directly south—one near Stinking Springs and one near an obscure tank trap. Both begin in tight box canyons at unmarked pulloffs from the highway. Both also feature an 1,800-foot elevation gain in the last .8 mile—a murderous hump for all but bighorn sheep, but it can be done. The reward is a shorter route to the top (both are 2.1 miles one-way). A steep approach from Poison Creek is also possible.
The traditional scale to Cream Puff Peak is done via Bull creek. Bull Creek is the last turnout option on your left before the Granite Hot Springs entrance. The Bull Creek drainage is popular with hunters in the fall. It offers a few camping options in the first .8 mile that is drivable. After that, the road has been purposely wrecked by the Forest Service and a decent trail continues up the creek. It is not on any maps.
But never mind that trail if you are headed for Cream Puff. Right there, in the beginning of Bull Creek is a trail to your left headed off and up into the timber. A partially-obscured sign reads: “Cow Creek.” This trail immediately jumps over a ridge and into Cow Creek, meeting with another trail there after 1.5 miles that started up Cow Creek from the highway. After the first mile or so, you are out of the woods and into the open with nice views of Ramshorn Peak to the south and wildflowers everywhere.
After about 3.25 miles, the trail settles into a saddle before a big push up a ridge. Look for remnants of a hunt camp here. You are at 8,500’ here; another mile-and-a-half to go with 1,100 feet of additional ups. This last section runs along a spine, turning the hiker southwest now (you started the hike headed northwest). Total mileage for the hike via Bull Creek is almost five miles each way.
From the summit, on a clear day, expect views of the Tetons, Wind River, Gros Ventre, Wyoming, and Snake River ranges. Hikers may encounter bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and the occasional bear. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
Getting there: From Hoback Junction, take U.S. Highway 191, the (Hoback Canyon fork (left) and zero out your odometer. Count 10.35 miles and turn left into Bull Creek.
