Need help to select a trek for 6-8 days in the park.

[rbrosko]

We are three couples (mid 50s) looking for another high adventure. WIlling to work hard for those breath taking views. Guys carry 40/45 lbs and gals are carrying 25/30. Did Glacier National Park last year and looking to visit in early July. Coaching and recommendations are greatly appreciated, assuming we aren't too late to do this. If we could hike with a guide to tell us about the area, that would be a plus.

[Grzldvt]

The hardcore will cringe at this suggestion but the High Sierra Loop fits the bill. It is pretty much breathtaking views on a daily basis. The problem is you are sort of stuck in a campground situation, as each camp has a designated area for backpackers, of which there could be quite a few. So as it goes normally, you start at Toulumne, head down to Glen Aulin, which can be busy or empty, generally if the water is high it is busy. If you are up to it and the river is running high, it is worth the 6 miles(3 down and 3 back to LeConte Falls), next is Sunrise which is an all day climb, and Sunrise seemed to be the most crowded camp. From Sunrise down to Merced, which was literally empty, my son and another guy were the only ones in the camp. From Merced you head to Vogelsang, IMO one of the best hikes in the park. Voglelsang can be crowded, but it wasn't the last time we were there. Some advice, start on a Sunday and it will feel like spawning, everyone is coming out as you are going in. Plus it puts you one day behind the big crowds as a majority of the people start on Saturday
Here is a link to the camps - http://www.yosemitepark.com/high-sierra-camps.aspx

[balzaccom]

I would also look at the 50 mile loop out of Twin Lakes, through Matterhorn Canyon and Benson Lake.

Or Illiluoette Canyon, over Red Peak Pass, and down the Merced...

All of those offer wonderful scenery

[AlmostThere]

If you're serious about a guide, check out Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides. But you'll pay for it.