[mojaveman]

I feel sorry for the people involved but question her judgement and knowledge.

I learned a very hard lesson out in Joshua Tree one time when I much younger an dumber.

Always take more water than you think you are going to need. If I were her I would have taken at least two jerry cans full of water but probably more.

As Pete said, know the limitations of what you can and can't do with your vehicle.

Have some type of survival/rescue plan that involves non electronic means of communication. Large fire, tracers, fireworks etc.

She should have left some type of flight plan.

The Desert is just as interesting and more pleasant during the cooler months.