sierraman - Nov 29, 2019 5:39 pm - Hasn't voted

I ascended Rambaud Creek to climb Devils Crag back in 1977 and returned last year to climb Mt. Woodworth. Our ascent up Rambaud was a nightmare, much worse than I remember from 77. Near the top we ran into a day hiker who had taken the traverse route from Grouse Meadow. This coincidence has surely never happened before. He was hoping we would tell him the route down Rambaud was easier and we were hoping he would tell us the traverse route was easier. On our descent down Rambaud we were in no hurry, so we were able to take some time scout out the easiest route. Here it is (bottom to top): Cross the Middle Fork about 1/8th mile above the trail junction (8,100'). There is a spot here where the stream flows through a slot and you can jump across. Traverse southwest up through some forested benches until you come out on a bare granite shoulder around 8,300'. Turn west and work your way straight up through and around a series of exposed granite outcroppings for about 500'. Next traverse to an obvious brush free slope to your left next to the creek. The bushwacking over to the open slope is the worst part of the route. Proceed directly up the open slope to a forested bench where the slope levels out somewhat (9,000'). Work your up through the trees angling over to the creek. Cross the creek to the south side where the slope again gets steep. Work your way up through trees and granite on the south side of the creek for 800'. At around 10,000' cross back to the north side of the creek and complete the ascent on open talus. Enjoy