(ABQ) and Farmington, N.M. (FMN) . Durango/Purgatory is located in the Southwest corner of Colorado, near the intersection of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. It's six to seven hours by car from DIA, a 340 mile drive via US-285, and three and a half to four and a half hours and 214 miles from ABQ using NM-44 and US-550.
In addition to its popular use for hangovers, prickly pear remedies have been used traditionally in Mexico for a wide variety of disorders. The heated cactus pads have served as poultices for rheumatism, and the fruit of the plant is consumed as treatment for diarrhea, asthma and gonorrhea.
Prickly Pear Health Benefits. Prickly pears are rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. Prickly pears are a low-calorie, saturated fat- and cholesterol-free source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, calcium and antioxidant compounds. Also known as the cactus pear, prickly pears are the common name for the fruit of the nopales cactus. Once the fruit's thick skin and small, thorn-like barbs are removed, the flesh of the prickly pear can be eaten raw, roasted, grilled or broiled. It can also be pureed to produce a brightly colored, flavorful juice.