Numa Peak

Numa Peak rises above Bowman Lake; Numa Ridge Lookout reveals vast alpine views.

Insider tip

Numa Peak is obscured from the lookout by Numa Ridge; best vantage from Bowman Lake shore or the lookout.

Insider tip

Start before 7am in peak season to beat crowds and parking pressure.

The light

Alpenglow potential on ridges at sunrise and sunset

Heads up

Gravity hazards on exposed ledges; dehydration risk in hot, southern-exposed terrain; bears present; no barriers along cliff edges; bear spray recommended; car…

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 5
Geological Formation9,007 ftlate June - SeptemberRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

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.

MAKE ROOM FOR A MEMORABLE STOP

Is this stop worth your time?

Why go

What Youll See
Numa Ridge silhouettes against sky; Bowman Lake reflections; rugged granite faces; alpine meadows and wildlife may appear along the trail
Unique Characteristics
Glacial sculpting on Belt Supergroup; Numa Peak as a horn obscured from some angles by Numa Ridge; Lewis Overthrust history (~150 Ma)

When to go

Best Visit Times
Early morning in summer; cooler temperatures; avoid the heat of midday
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills by late morning during peak season; start early

Getting there and doing it

How To Get There
From Bowman Lake day-use area, follow the Numa Ridge Lookout Trail beginning at the Bowman Lake Campground; the 11.8-mile roundtrip climbs to the lookout over alpine terrain.
Parking Availability
Bowman Lake day-use area; lot can fill by late morning; arrive early.

Getting there & parking

Distance From Entrance
11.8 miles roundtrip to the Numa Ridge Lookout
Road Type
Gravel/dirt Bowman Lake Road; rough in places
GPS Coordinates
48°54′12″N 114°09′40″W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Summer (late June–September); sunrise or sunset light best; July–August busiest.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential on ridges at sunrise and sunset
Best Season
Summer
Busiest Season
July–August
Seasonal Access
Roads typically open in late June through September; snow can delay.
Road Opening Dates
Late June (check snowpack); roads can close with fresh snow
Snow Lingering
Snow may linger into July at higher elevations
Winter Access
Not accessible; winter closures
Weather Patterns
Afternoon heat; foggy mornings; possible summer thunderstorms; bear activity season

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Numa Peak, Numa Ridge Lookout, expansive Bowman Lake views, Belt Supergroup rocks, Lewis Overthrust influence
Photo Opportunities
Sunrise on granite, golden hour over the ridges, reflections on Bowman Lake
Photography Spots
Numa Ridge Lookout; Bowman Lake shoreline at dawn; ridge silhouettes at sunset
Best Viewpoints
Numa Ridge Lookout; Bowman Lake shoreline; along the Numa Ridge Trail for high vantage points
Common Wildlife
Bears (grizzly and black); mountain goats; various birds
Best Wildlife Times
Dawn and dusk; seasonal
Geological Formation Type
Horn-shaped peak sculpted by glaciation; Belt Supergroup sediments; Lewis Overthrust
Scientific Interest
Visible glacial sculpting on Belt Supergroup; long-term tectonic movement; 150 Ma uplift
Stargazing Quality
Excellent under clear, dark skies with minimal light pollution

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Included with park entrance fee
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets at Bowman Lake Campground and day-use area; none on the Numa Ridge Trail
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
Unreliable
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Moderate to strenuous; not wheelchair accessible
Accessibility Level
Hike-required; moderate to strenuous; not wheelchair accessible
Nearby Services
Polebridge; West Glacier (lodging and dining); Bowman Lake area facilities
Nearby Facilities
Bowman Lake Campground; Bowman Lake day-use area; Polebridge; West Glacier
Family Friendly Notes
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.

Safety

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Bowman Lake, Akokala Lake, Moose Lake, Numa Ridge Lookout, Polebridge
Connecting Trails
Numa Ridge Lookout Trail connects to the Bowman Lake Trail
Trailheads Here
Numa Ridge Trail; Bowman Lake Trail

Planning advice

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.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Park Area
Glacier National Park
Elevation Feet
9007
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Lake Size
Bowman Lake is a broad alpine lake with expansive shoreline views
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Two 5-star reviews highlight the expansive alpine panorama and the rugged wilderness; the hike is demanding but rewarding for experienced hikers.

Location

Numa Peak rises above rugged rock ridges in Glacier National Park, Montana, with distant mountains and a blue lake below.A curious gray squirrel stands on layered rocks near Numa Peak, Glacier National Park.Numa Peak overlook in Glacier National Park reveals a sweeping alpine panorama with jagged peaks and a turquoise lake.Numa Peak mirrored in a calm glacier-fed lake at Glacier National Park, with rainbow-colored pebbles in the foreground.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

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.

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.

Pyramid Peak

Granite peak sharpened by glacial ice; scrambling to Pyramid Peak from Pyramid Pass.

Grace Lake

Grace Lake: glacial cirque lake at 3,966 ft, reached via the Logging Lake Trail.

Monument Falls

215 ft waterfall fed by glacial meltwater; view from Avalanche Lake shore.

Lake McDonald

A west-side lakeshore pause: choose Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge, then leave room for a separate walk or boat outing.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.