I think the cyclocross route is a bad choice. These bikes are geared for competition. None of them are geared for normal folks climbing hills on a commute or tour. You want a bike with a triple crankset where your smallest chainring is smaller than the biggest gear in the rear cassette. That will get you up the hill on your commute and help negotiate dirt and gravel trails no matter what the conditions. The hybrids like Trek FX, Giant Escape and Cannondale Quick and Specialized Sirrus fit your needs as you described them much better then a cyclocross bike. If you want drop bars then look at a touring bike like the Surly LHT. It can take big enough tires for your trail rides and has a well geared triple drivetrain.