I've been scouring the map as well. There are only dirt roads to the west of his jobsite area. The most prominent ones seem to be along runs of high voltage power towers, through washes, over a canal...No shade, no pavement.
The closest point of interest appears to be a trailhead/gathering point for the Ankon Hiking Trail. There's a somewhat 'direct' route from the intersection of Sun Valley Pkwy & W Cactus Rd (his purported jobsite), through the dirt roads and washes. If the terrain were difficult, he may have been or may still be somewhere out there with a blown tire or broken down vehicle.
I'm kind of surprised that google maps says you can get through on this route. Are there no gates on any of these roads!? Is this all public land? I see what looks like a power station. Wouldn't something like that be gated? MOO.
Google Maps