Start training for Grand Canyon rim to rim hike next week.  I am looking for a place where I can run stands.  My last resorts are my wife's office parking garage (what I have done in years past) or the gym's stair machine (boring).  I have called a couple of places in the Lewisville ISD and CFB ISD, but they all said it was a no go.  Any other suggestions?

Anyone know of any places that are unlocked/regularly used by the public?  Middle schools around here are generally open, but they only usually have like 10 rows of stands.  I need way more than that.

My only comment is good luck finding a place.  Most keep everything closed to the public due to liability.  I used to run at a local high school track but it probably only had 10-15 rows of stands.

Unless you are really out of shape, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is sort of a straightforward affair, like hiking an inverted mountain. Some hilly terrain like Cedar Ridge Preserve would suit you better and get your feet accustomed to walking over uneven terrain. Some good eroded sections there, messed up water bars and scree will give you a well rounded experience. You can do the hiking there in loop after loop, many XC runners use the trail there.

I used to just go to the local high school stadium / practice field.

A lot of times they are open so that older people can walk the track.



Other than that, you can always climb the stairs in a local mid-rise / high-rise / hotel if you get hard up.

We called them stair laps. 26 row basketball bowl. I wouldn't consider that now. Those ambulance trips are pricey thes days.

This is my third time doing it...we are doing south rim to north rim in one day.  North rim going up is pretty much 100% stairs.

Just find an office building and do the stairs, as mentioned earlier. One slip up on the benches and you're done as far as the Grand Canyon goes.