Pretty happy with Canyon Grail Ultegra 2x. Can take 43mm tires, which makes fire roads in Angeles National Forest very doable. 50/34 crankset not good for trails; should be 46/30. Pretty much a quiver-killer if you're not racing.
This year I got an Ibis Hakka. Since I got it I've only been on my road bike twice. On group road rides I can keep up with all but the one guy who always has to be the fastest. but then I couldn't keep up with him on my road bike either. It is a dream to ride on the logging roads here on the Oregon coast.
Love my Colnago Ar1. I use it for gravel, dirt, and bad pavement. In the spring or fall, when roads are wet or sandy, I use it exclusively. The frame is relatively inexpensive so I've upgraded the gearing, and I use two sets of wheels; one for gravel/cyclocross, and one for road. Of all my bikes (Specialized Roubaix, Giant hardtail, and Trek Emonda) this one gets the most use.
Giant Revolt 0 fits in your price range. I have the Revolt 1. Works great for Gravel and Road, the Revolt 0 comes with 2x gearing up front, may work better for you than the 1x that comes one the Revolt 1. Comes with 40mm tires...... These work great on road and gravel.
After test riding several different brands, I'd suggest the following: 1) Parlee Chebacco (Carbon Fiber). This is the best bike I've ridden and the one I recently purchased. 2) Bearclaw Beau Jaxon (Titanium) is a VERY sweet ride. 3) All City Gorilla Monsoon (Steel) is a great value and seriously fun to ride.
I've been very happy with my Niner RLT RDO over the past season of NH/VT mixed-surface riding. The Schwalbe G-One 38s that were stock seem like a good compromise for my conditions. I certainly wouldn't go any smaller. I did change the stock 50/34 for a 46/30 setup.
