Well in that case Matt.....I hate to sound partial to courses close to home, but I really do believe that if you want a few challanging yet enjoyable rounds, with decently significant architecture as well, I think you're best bet to get the bang for the buck right now would be 3 rounds in the Sierra Nevada foothills:
Morgan Creek - not quite in the foothills, private club, but Jed Peters has been known to pull a favor fairly easily for a fellow GCAer...and I would take an offer from him any day of the week. It's a fun course, interesting design, with some wild, challanging greens.
Darkhorse - While it may be slightly lacking in conditioning depending on how the winter treated it, I still enjoy this course as one of my favorites in NorCal. The greens are usually lightening fast with, yet again, quite a bit of movement, and the scenery can't be beat.
Winchester - Another private course letting the public sneak in during tough times....I'm honestly not sure when the public can play (but I know they can!) and the rate might be a bit higher than "moderate", but if you can get on for a mere guest fee with Jed and only pay a weekday fee at Darkhorse, the little extra to play Winchester is worth it.....similar story, beautiful location, nice design and challanging golf.
Plenty of cheap hotels to stay at along I-80 or find a nice little B&B near Auburn, very close to both Darkhorse and Winchester and just a short drive from Morgan Creek.
As a close second choice, I've never played Stevinson Ranch, but nearly all on this site rave about it, and Saddlecreek and Greenhorn Creek are both decently viable options for another close round within the same day.
Hope that helps!