Well, based on my trek through the desert 2 years ago, I heartily recommend the first stop in North Palm Springs (just past 29 palms) - when the engine went out on the car at 10 pm, the stop right there (Exxon or Chevron, don't remember which) were EXTREMELY helpful - and the Motel 6 across the highway was comfortable, too. If I were still in that time zone, I'd make it a point to stop there. And when I left the next day around 2 pm, I was able to get to Tucson on a good drive out of there, so the drive to Estrella shouldn't be too difficult from that location.

Have fun at war!