AR,
Here's where I went last summer/fall/winter - when I quit working for the man:
Lover's Leap - September
Yosemite - September (I'd go later or to Tuolomne if it's hot)
Red Rocks - October/ November
Index - Whenever I was home (and couldn't get across the border)
Leavenworth - Whenever I was home
Squamish - August/ September
Joshua Tree - First couple weeks of December
Also, it's easier if you are flexible on when/where you go. Basically, follow the temps and weather, and you'll be happier.
Also, after being to these other "western" spots, I still think WA granite kicks ass. For how you describe your skills, the routes and rock around home are just as good as anywhere else you'd go.