I've done a fair amount of S Cal off road stuff with a CX bike and 42mm tires so here are a few things I'd keep in mind.

CX geometry is most limiting uphill. Your weight is too far forward to keep the back wheel biting. You'll run out of traction before you run out of gears or tire width.

You are slower downhill, have to plan your lines with more care, and you aren't going to be taking any tree roots or boulders at speed.

Interrupters are your friend.

The ability to stay on the tops with your head up, your weight back and the added authority you can get on the binders, helps mitigate the excitement when it gets steep.