Desert hiking is no joke. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need. It is 100% sun exposure and you will dehydrate quicker than a forested hike. Took my gf to Palm Springs for some hiking and she was very confident in her hiking strength but had never done a desert hike before. We got over the first crest and she nearly heat stroked out. Needed to use me for shade so she could cool off.
Nothing to joke about.