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If you were hiking in Grand Canyon National Park and hungry, you might reach for a granola bar in your backpack. But if you were out of food entirely, there’s actually an unexpected source of nourishment that dwells on desert plains. Believe it or not, it’s the prickly pear cactus. Those native to the Grand Canyon region including the O’odham and Piipaash people have been in on this quietly tasty plant for centuries. Not only can you eat theimposing prickly pear, it’s also good for you. Your mother will be happy to know that these cacti are high in antioxidants and fiber, and a solid source of vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. You can snack on the purple fruit of the prickly pear as well as the pads of the cactus —that’s the main green part with the spiky stickers. While the prickly pear is also known as the devil's-tongue, it can be just heavenly to cook with. Some say that it tastes a bit like watermelon. At this website, you can pick up an array of prickly pear products including coffee grounds, lemonade, margarita mix, syrup, salsa and marmalade. We also feature apparel, locally made jewelry and artwork and much more. You might be sitting there thinking, “Maybe it’s good for me, but I still don’t know about eating a cactus.” In that case, consider that prairie dogs, jackrabbits, bats, iguanas and coyotes also dine on this desert staple (this may or may not sway your decision). Regardless, there are 18 species of prickly pear within the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Further, the prickly pear is as tough as it looks. It can withstand temperatures of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which you might expect from a cactus. But this plant can take the cold, too, tolerating temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the prickly pear is hardy, you might consider planting it in your garden. Just keep in mind that this cactus reproduces and spreads quickly. Finally, if you’re looking to impress at trivia night, the prickly pear is the official cactus of Texas and it’s featured on the Mexican coat of arms. Now, you’re on your way to becoming an amateur eremologist (a scientist who studies desert features and phenomenon). The best in prickly pear tastes and authentic Grand Canyon keepsakes can be found right here.

Celebrate the people of the canyon’s creativity. Approximately 5 million people visit Grand Canyon National Park each year. Before this unique natural world became a national park, 11 different tribal nations called this beautiful living landscape home, and still do. Native people are the very first to exist in harmony with the high desert and canyon environment, and their artistry endures into the present day through living tribal artists and artisans. Traditionally associated tribes of Grand Canyon National Park include: Havasupai Tribe (Havasu’baaja) Hopi Tribe (Hopisinom) Hualapai Tribe (Hwal’bay) Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians (Nungwu) Las Vegas Paiute Tribe (Nungwu) Moapa Band of Paiutes (Nungwu) Dine’ (Navajo) Nation Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah (Nungwu) San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe (Nungwu) The Pueblo of Zuni (A:shiwi) Yavapai-Apache Nation (Yavap’e-Nnee) Today, the park shares boundaries with three federally recognized tribes: the Dine’ (Navajo), Hualapai and Havasupai. The Desert View region represents the physical and cultural gateway from Grand Canyon National Park to the Dine’ (Navajo) and Hopi reservations. Indigenous people have been an inextricable part of the land for centuries. Ancestral and Modern Pueblo Peoples developed complex irrigation systems in the harsh desert landscape. This enables them to grow crops such as beans, corn and squash, known as the revered “Three Sisters.” The Dine’ (Navajo) rely on horses for transportation. One of the oldest living cultures in documented history, the Hopi cultivate cotton to make cloth. The 11 tribes of the Grand Canyon region are also well known for their artistry and craftmanship. Their creations — silver jewelry often embellished with turquoise and coral (generally representing the sky and earth), woven baskets, hand-made textiles featuring natural dyes, thrown pottery and more — are extremely popular. Native American art often contains symbols and signs of their culture, heritage and beliefs, honoring nature and their ancestors. Traditional Native American artwork of the region includes the sand paintings and hand-woven rugs of the Dine’ (Navajo), the Kachina dolls and pottery of the Hopi and inlay jewelry of the Zuni Pueblo, among many others. There is much to learn from the Indigenous people of the American Southwest. These groups have long been celebrated for their artistry and craftmanship. When you purchase an elegant bracelet or intricately woven basket from a Native American artist, you'll take home a piece of art rooted in ancient history and living cultural connections. Strengthen the original spirit of the canyon country. Peruse authentic, native-made creations today.