You will probably find that the 180hp archer is sufficient this time of year. I hired a C172 sp which I think is also 180hp, i had a scary moment when climbing out of Las Vegas with 3 up and 115degF temperature. The density altitude was very high that day. You wouldn't get that this time of year.
The airtraffic over there is wicked, just ask for flight following and they do the rest. If your flying IFR it's even better.
By the way if you hire a plane make sure you find out what they reimburse fuel fill ups at/gallon. sometimes they will give you less reimbursement than you paid for. That happened to me in Las Vegas.