死亡谷国家公园的梅斯基特平原沙丘，加利福尼亚州，美国 Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California (© Bryan Jolley/TANDEM Stills + Motion)

死亡谷国家公园的梅斯基特平原沙丘，加利福尼亚州，美国 Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California (© Bryan Jolley/TANDEM Stills + Motion)

时光沙丘 Sands of time

梅斯基特平原沙丘，死亡谷国家公园

梅斯基特平原沙丘位于死亡谷国家公园内的斯托夫派普韦尔斯村附近，是公园内最易到达且最具标志性的沙丘。它们由北侧山脉风化提供的沙源、盛行风的搬运作用，以及南侧山脉的阻挡所共同作用形成，造就了这片波纹起伏的壮美景观。沙丘以在恶劣环境中依旧顽强生长的蜜荆树命名。在日出和日落时分，沙丘的纹理和棱线在光影映照下格外分明，是欣赏日照美景与星空观测的绝佳地点。

死亡谷国家公园占地超过340万英亩，是美国本土面积最大的国家公园。它以极端气温、广袤沙漠景观和多样地貌著称。超过93%的公园区域被指定为荒野保护地，适合进行深度探险，但游客需警惕高温、突发洪水及野生动物等潜在危险。尽管环境恶劣，这片土地却拥有丰富的自然美景与人文历史，包括与在此世代生活的廷比沙肖肖尼原住民深厚的文化渊源。

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, California

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, located near Stovepipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park, are the most accessible and iconic dunes in the park. They are formed by a combination of eroding mountains to the north that supply sand, prevailing winds that move it, and surrounding mountains that trap it from the south—creating a stunning landscape of rippling sand hills. Named after the resilient mesquite trees that grow here, the dunes offer breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset, as well as exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Death Valley National Park, spanning more than 3.4 million acres, is the largest national park in the contiguous United States. It is known for its extreme temperatures, vast desert landscapes, and geological diversity. More than 93% of the park is designated wilderness, offering opportunities for backcountry exploration, though visitors must be cautious of hazards like extreme heat, flash floods, and wildlife. Despite its harsh environment, the park is rich in natural beauty and cultural history, including its deep ties to the Timbisha Shoshone people, who have lived in the region for generations.