Not sure what you mean by "skipping Rancheria Creek".
Are you hiking the PCT to Benson?
Are you going back to TM or going out Hetch Hetchy?
I assume you are going up and over Rancerhia Mountain and out HH
because otherwise I'm not sure how much time you are really going
to save.
Anyway, I've been to Benson a few times and hiked completely around
the lake, scaled "Navaho Peak", and also climbed the two "knobs/boobies" at
the outlet. What you talk about is on my to do list only I want to hike to
Benson.
From Table Lake I've also been to Irwin Bright.
Anyway... Looking at Satellite Imagery I think that it is do-able.
But it may be very very hard. I would give yourself one full day to get
to Table Lake. And I wouldn't suggest you do it unless you are
very experienced! You also need to be slightly nuts (like myself).
Take a long hard look at Google Earth Imagery to get a feel of the terrain.
Also, I'd also suggest that you only do it after Piute Creek has subsided
so that IF you have to walk in the creek you can.
The trip from TM to Benson on PCT and then down to Pate Valley and
up GC of Tuoulmne is approx 65 miles. If you are in great shape you
should be able to do this in 5 days. (I did 90 miles.. Roads End to
Whitney and back in 5 days this year
) Again, you better be in
great shape and LOVE to climb!
Once you get off the trail your pace may bonk to almost nothing.
So... IMO if you want to save time... stay on the trail... if you want to
mark that route off your map... save a day for it.
Enjoy!
I ramble alot... sorry about that...