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

Numa Peak at Glacier National Park reflecting in a calm lake with rainbow-colored pebbles in the foreground.

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.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48°54′12″N 114°09′40″W
Accessibility: Moderate to strenuous; not wheelchair accessible

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Bowman Lake, Akokala Lake, Moose Lake, Numa Ridge Lookout, Polebridge
Nearby Facilities: Bowman Lake Campground; Bowman Lake day-use area; Polebridge; West Glacier
Best Time To Visit: Summer (late June–September); sunrise or sunset light best; July–August busiest.
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.
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.

More details

Park Area: Glacier National Park
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.
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 9007
Distance From Entrance: 11.8 miles roundtrip to the Numa Ridge Lookout
Accessibility Level: Hike-required; moderate to strenuous; not wheelchair accessible
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.
Road Type: Gravel/dirt Bowman Lake Road; rough in places
Seasonal Access: Roads typically open in late June through September; snow can delay.
Entry Fees: Included with park entrance fee
Main Features: Numa Peak, Numa Ridge Lookout, expansive Bowman Lake views, Belt Supergroup rocks, Lewis Overthrust influence
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)
Safety Considerations: Gravity hazards on exposed ledges; dehydration risk in hot, southern-exposed terrain; bears present; no barriers along cliff edges; bear spray recommended; carry ample water; stay on trail
Best Viewpoints: Numa Ridge Lookout; Bowman Lake shoreline; along the Numa Ridge Trail for high vantage points
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
Stargazing Quality: Excellent under clear, dark skies with minimal light pollution
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential on ridges at sunrise and sunset
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets at Bowman Lake Campground and day-use area; none on the Numa Ridge Trail
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unreliable
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Numa Ridge Trail; Bowman Lake Trail
Connecting Trails: Numa Ridge Lookout Trail connects to the Bowman Lake Trail
Nearby Services: Polebridge; West Glacier (lodging and dining); Bowman Lake area facilities
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
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
Best Visit Times: Early morning in summer; cooler temperatures; avoid the heat of midday
Best Season: Summer
Weather Patterns: Afternoon heat; foggy mornings; possible summer thunderstorms; bear activity season
Peak Fill Times: Parking fills by late morning during peak season; start early
Busiest Season: July–August
Lake Size: Bowman Lake is a broad alpine lake with expansive shoreline views
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Two 5-star reviews highlight the expansive alpine panorama and the rugged wilderness; the hike is demanding but rewarding for experienced hikers.