During training in the desert, what did the Navajos use to obtain water?

The Navajos utilized the prickly pear cactus to obtain water during their training in the desert. This cactus is well-known for its ability to store water within its pads, making it a vital resource in arid environments. The pads can be harvested and consumed, providing both hydration and nutrition.

In contrast, while the other plants mentioned—mesquite trees, yucca plants, and agave plants—do have their uses, they are not typically relied upon for direct water consumption as much as the prickly pear cactus. Mesquite trees provide pods that are edible but not a water source, yucca plants are more useful for their fibers and roots rather than as a water source, and agave plants can be tapped for a syrup but do not hold water in the same accessible manner as the prickly pear. Therefore, the prickly pear cactus stands out as the primary option for obtaining water during such training exercises.