For lodging call Montana Central Reservations at 888-224-4759.

Glacier National Park (406-888-7800 Park Services) is 1.2 million acres of scenic magic with 50 glaciers and more than 200 lakes. Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, elk, moose and bear are year-round residents. The park is accessible through the gateway communities of Flathead Valley on the west side and Blackfeet Territory on the east side.

Programs: Movies and exhibits; campfire lectures.

Highlights: A thrilling 55-mile climb (open from June to October ) to the apex of the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. This spectacular "Going to the Sun" road is restricted to vehicles under 22 feet, therefore, you must make other arrangements before exploring this highway. Red Jammer Busses are popular.

To arrange these "jammer" tours as well as group lodging and meals call Karl Bickmore, group tour coordinator at 602- 207-6816. Bickmore can also arrange group lodging at the Prince Wales Hotel in Waterton National Park on the Canadian side. Boat tours can be booked directly with Glacier Park Boat Company at 406-257-2426.

Gateway: Whitefish ( Chamber of Commerce 406-862-3501) was a fur-trading center in the late 1800's and later a logging and railway town. Today it retains much of the charm of its early days.

Highlights: A walking tour past such historical buildings like Casey's, Cadillac Hotel and the Frank Lloyd Wright Building. The Great Northern Brewing Company (406-863-1000) offers daily tasting tours in the summer. Big-Sky Balloon Adventures (406-862-3432) offers an exciting once in a lifetime balloon ride.

Festivals: May, Stumptown Days; September, Summertime Blues Festival.

Yellowstone National Park (307-344-7381) is the world's first national park. Besides the world famous geyser, Yellowstone has mud caldrons, canyons, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and wildlife. Moose, bison, coyotes and mule deer are easily spotted early morning or evening.

Programs: Lectures, slide shows, films and ranger-led walks Each visitor center in the park focuses on a topic: Mammoth Visitor Center on animals; Grant Village on the fires of 88 and Old Faithful Center on the geo thermal conditions in the park.

For lodging and tours call TW Recreation Services. Inc. (307-344-5282). Group coordinators suggest the Step-On- Board guides.

Northern Gateway: Gardiner (Chamber of Commerce 406-848-7971) survived gold rushes, the railroad and fires. Today it hosts visitors to the park.

Events: June, Gardiner Rodeo; August, Buffalo Days.

West Gateway: West Yellowstone (Chamber (406-646-7701) is the location of the National Geographic Imax Theater (406-646-4100).