Peyto Lake

Striking Green Glacial Lake

Description

Come summer, as the meltwater begins to flow into this alpine lake, the color shifts, like a giant mountain mood ring, from deep blue to an intense bright green. While it's a nice thought, the joy of an impending summer isn't really the culprit for the shade change, but rather, finely ground "rock flour" that reflects the blue-green sector of the light spectrum. You don't have to know the science behind it, though, to appreciate the breathtaking view. The lake was named for Bill Peyto, an early outfitter who, in 1898, camped at Bow Lake and found this gem when he slipped away from the expedition he was with, seeking a little solitude. Peyto Lake is easily accessible from the parking lot at Bow Summit, off of a short paved trail.