In regards to the post about Ken Rockwell's site, I have read Rockwell's information over the years, and kind of like his "get to the point" reviews.
But I disagree with his negative attitude that any lens but a Nikon, Canon, etc. and are "junk glass". This would include Tamron, Sigma, etc.
Sort of puts other reviews in suspect.
Just my two cents.

I also have a D300 and am on the same page as you. Starting to get back into "DSLR photography" and shift from P+S.
I was curious how much I might get for my D300 on ebay to put towards a newer model, and should not have been surprised that even in mint condition, the camera I spent almost $1,800 for is now worth maybe <$400.
But you know, I started re-reading some of the old reviews, started playing around with it again, and one must not forget that this camera was a "flagship" model back then.
I ask myself, "have things changed THAT much where this still isn't a really great camera?"
I am trying to shake off the "gotta get a newer model" obsession and go with with I got.
Sorry, no answers for your question, just sharing that I am in the same boat, and will read the replies in this thread.

On the west side, about an hour+ from Sacramento, and an hour and half + from Lake Tahoe.

Looks like you've gotten plenty of ideas sent your way. We were there last month for SF Giants Spring Training, and have a couple more suggestions.
The Wupatki National Monument (did not see this one posted).
Beautiful native American ruins along a route with a wealth of photo opportunities, including the Sunset Crater Volcano National Park.
This area is north of Flagstaff, off the beaten path towards the Grand Canyon, so hardly in Scottsdale, but worth the trip if you are heading north.

Stumbled upon this site in my never-ending quest for improving my photo skills and seeking new perspectives to photography.
Wish I had more time to actually get out there and shoot, but far from retired yet, and opportunities for photography is one of my goals for vacations and days off.
Started with a Richo SLR oh so many years ago, moved to a Nikkormat FT2 (which I keep for old-times sake), and etc. etc. over the years.
When I graduated to a Nikon D300 in 2008, thought I was in hog heaven...now look what's out there...incredible how many changes over a few short years.
(I still have the D300, too.)
Looking forward to learning more, and photo shooting more.