Numa Ridge Lookout Hiking Guide

About Numa Ridge Lookout Trail

Trail Highlights – Spectacular view of Bowman Lake, plentiful wildflowers and wildlife.
Roundtrip Length – 12 miles
Elevation Gain – 2,930 feet
Peak Elevation – 6,960 feet
Parking Lot – Yes
Difficulty – Strenuous
Region – Bowman Lake
Availability of Water – No

Hiking to Numa Ridge Lookout

Begin your hike on the western side of Bowman Lake on the Bowman Lake Trail. The trail is fairly level, passing through dense forest before beginning a gradual climb to your destination.

At about .8 miles from the trailhead, you’ll turn left onto the Numa Lookout Trail. You’ll ascend up the eastern side of Numa Ridge through old growth conifer forest, as the trail climbs up toward the lookout.

My Memories of Apgar

This was one of my first hikes in Glacier and boy, do I have some fond memories of it. We hiked it in early season, around late June, if I remember correctly. And we included a ragtag group of 5 fellow employees, none of whom I knew for more than a beer or two before we hit the trail.

On the way to the trailhead, we passed plenty of wildlife, including a fox and a black bear (learn more about Glacier’s wildlife here). The hike is truly magical. From venturing through the thick, Tolkien forest that rubs itself against Bowman Lake, to the magnificent climb to the summit. Man, you won’t regret this one.

The first time I hiked it the top was shrouded in fog and mystery. We could barely see 10 feet in front of us, let alone the magnificent views below. But after an excruciating 1.5 miles, we trekked higher and higher, piercing above the fog, and were rewarded with all of Glacier’s majesty.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including the numerous bird species that live in this section of the park. Also watch for grizzlies and black bear and always carry bear spray in case of an encounter (click here to learn more about hiking through grizzly habitat).

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a mind-blowing view of the turquoise waters of Bowman Lake below, as well as Mount Carter, Reuter Peak, Numa Peak and Rainbow Peak. You’ll also see Moose Lake, which you passed on the way up, and Akokala Lake. A small fire watch cabin is located at the top of Numa Lookout.

Kick back and reward your long uphill trek with lunch or a snack as you bask in the glorious view.