Just spent 3 days riding through Utah. Natural Bridges NP, Capitol Reef, Grand Escalante, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Zion, Glen Canyon. 1st day was mostly rain, 2nd day we had a little, and 3rd day home was warm and dry.
Southern Utah is in my opinion the most scenic part of the country for a ride. This summer I'll ride with a couple of buddies to Sturgis for a couple of days and then to explore the high mountain passes of Colorado. If it is not stifling hot in southern Utah, we'll probably hit those places you just mentioned. I can't get enough of that area.
Sounds like you had a great ride Bill. I'm in Torrey UT as I write...about to hit the road again. I completed RT 50 NV yesterday and headed to UT via RT 487 and 21. Rode the entire RT 12 E and here I am at the begining of Rt 24. Beautiful state!