Stay at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona after the sun goes down.

The Grand Canyon gets even better at night. Joe Sills

Millions of visitors flock to the Grand Canyon each year to capture sunset views. But most of these visitors load up and head for hotels after the sun goes down, altogether missing one of the Grand Canyon's most memorizing views of all — a nightly blanket of stars.

Flagstaff, Arizona — the nearest major city to the Grand Canyon's most popular entry point — is a certified International Dark Sky Community, meaning it has exceptional starry nights.

It's also home to one of America's oldest observatories, the 1894 Lowell Observatory.

Located about 80 miles from Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon is home to even darker skies, and its South Kaibab Trail is a well-maintained, relatively wide path that should be easy for evening hikers to follow.

When it's operating, an afternoon shuttle can take hikers to the South Kaibab Trailhead, but you can also find a spot in the parking lot off of Desert View Drive and make the half-mile or so walk to the trail down Yaki Point Road.

Bring a headlamp, snacks, and plenty of water, then make your way toward Ooh Aah Point. But be aware that hiking into the Grand Canyon is easier than hiking out. Give yourself plenty of time and plan ahead for the nearly 4-mile round-trip hike.