SCCX runs trails in the desert quite frequently (Death Valley, etc.) and from Visalia, a quick hop down 99 to 58 gets you there.

NCCX runs trails in the Sierras during the warmer/drier months, so those may also be of interest to you.

Since you're mid-state, you could probably participate in both, depending which suits your schedule and interest at the time!

By the way, I think some NCCXers have discussed the possibility of running the Dusy-Ershim trail, which is pretty close to you.