It's a fun trip--bring a good camera
I've flown the whole length of that exact route several times and long portions of that route many other times and in different seasons. A good friend lived in Havasu so I became quite familiar with the aprts in that area. I too suggest KHII.
Around NW to W of LAS you might find a line of TS. They pop up quick and last anywhere from an hour to all day and into the wee hours. East of the Colorado River things tend to smooth out. Leaving KHII deviate to the north towards FLG if you run into any wx or are worried about buildups. Saint John is south but also a good fuel stop.
From GUP to SAF you'll be getting a workout from the daytime heating. Plan on an alternate aprt as you get close to the mtns NNW of Albuquerque. You may not be get around or through the wx in that area. (east of Navajo Lake to SAF)
My highest density take off was Taos in a 120 lbs undergross PA-28-160. Fld elev is almost 7,200 and I used 5,000 of the 5,800 RWY because it was 85*F at 0517 giving a DA of quite near 13,000 (IIRC). Yes, at 5 AM!
I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy. The G-1000 might have all the bells and whistles but I would run the calcs for DA on paper anyway. You did say it's your 1st long cross....
Yes, stay hydrated. The combo of alt, very low humidity, and flying log legs will sneak up on you. You be fatigued and sleepy and drying out although you may not know it. Many sips are better than a few large gulps.
I sound like your father:dunno:
Call your mother.
