Numa Peak (9,009 ft) in Glacier National Park’s Livingston Range near Bowman Lake

Q: Is the 11.8-mile hike doable for a family with kids?

The trail is moderate to strenuous; not ideal for very young children or casual hikers. Plan for a long day and bring sufficient water.

Q: Can I bring my dog on the Numa Ridge Trail?

Not specified in the data; verify Glacier National Park rules before bringing a dog.

Q: Will my 65-year-old be able to reach the lookout?

The trail is not wheelchair accessible and remains challenging; evaluate fitness and pace, or choose the Bowman Lake shoreline viewpoints.

Q: Is there potable water along the trail?

No. Carry all water from the start; you will not find drinkable water on the Numa Ridge Trail or at the lookout.

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Overview

About This Attraction

Bowman Lake sits still at the base as Numa Ridge threads the skyline and Numa Peak carves a jagged silhouette above. From the Numa Ridge Lookout, you catch a sweeping view across Bowman Lake to a rugged set of granite faces. The scene is the product of glacial carving, uplift, and erosion on Belt Supergroup rocks during the Lewis Overthrust about 150 million years ago. The 11.8-mile roundtrip hike leads you through alpine terrain to a vantage that rewards persistence with vast, quiet wilderness.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (late June–September); sunrise or sunset light best; July–August busiest.

Visitor Tips

Arrive early; Bowman Lake lot fills by late morning in peak season.
Bring ample water; no potable water on the trail or at the lookout.
Bears are present; carry bear spray and know how to use it.
There are no safety barriers; stay on the trail and watch for open edges.
Best angle is from Numa Ridge Lookout over Bowman Lake; the peak is obscured by the ridge.

Details

Location & Features

GPS: 48°54′12″N 114°09′40″W

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Bowman Lake, Akokala Lake, Moose Lake, Numa Ridge Lookout, Polebridge

Insider Tips

Numa Peak is obscured from the lookout by Numa Ridge; best vantage from Bowman Lake shore or the lookout.
Start before 7am in peak season to beat crowds and parking pressure.
Weather can shift quickly; pack a wind layer.
Heat can be intense on southern exposure; carry water and sunscreen.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Moderate to strenuous; not wheelchair accessible

Family Friendly:

Exposed edges and off-trail travel demand close supervision; the main routes aren’t suitable for very young hikers. The Numa Ridge Lookout hike covers roughly 11.8 miles round trip and climbs to about 6,960 feet, making it a long day for families with older, capable hikers. Reaching Numa Peak itself is longer and more challenging—about 16 miles round trip with around 5,000 feet of elevation gain—and should be attempted only by experienced hikers. Parking is at the Bowman Lake trailhead, and Bowman Lake Road can be dusty and rough.

Nearby Facilities:

Bowman Lake Campground; Bowman Lake day-use area; Polebridge; West Glacier

FAQs

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Yes. Bowman Lake lot fills by late morning in peak season; arrive early to secure a spot.

Is the 11.8-mile hike doable for a family with kids?

Can I bring my dog on the Numa Ridge Trail?

Will my 65-year-old be able to reach the lookout?

Is there potable water along the trail?

📖 grokipedia.com 📖 listsofjohn.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 usgs.gov 📖 npshistory.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 hikingwalking.com 📖 glacier-national-park-travel-guide.com 📖 enjoyyourparks.com 📖 10adventures.com 📖 explorewhitefish.com 📖 hike734.com 📖 smokybear.com 📖 bigskyfishing.com 📖 flatheadbeacon.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 visitmt.com 📖 bchmt.org 📖 countrywalkers.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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Numa Peak