55Unique property with a hiking trail, large, peaceful shaded grass front lawn, and trails to other parts of the property. A few friendly people around. My dog isn’t interested in being immersed in water, but it’s a perfect spot for dogs who are. Gorgeous drive to get there. Very nice hosts. Danielle Y.
Danielle Y.
June 2024
Unique property with a hiking trail, large, peaceful shaded grass front lawn, and trails to other parts of the property. A few friendly people around. My dog isn’t interested in being immersed in water, but it’s a perfect spot for dogs who are. Gorgeous drive to get there. Very nice hosts.
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55Husband and I took our two dogs here and we all had a blast. The dogs loved getting into the ponds and cooling off. The directions were good and we found the place no problem. Looking forward to coming back. There are some chickens in a coop that our dogs enjoyed looking at. The place was as described.Janice O.
Janice O.
July 2024
Husband and I took our two dogs here and we all had a blast. The dogs loved getting into the ponds and cooling off. The directions were good and we found the place no problem. Looking forward to coming back. There are some chickens in a coop that our dogs enjoyed looking at. The place was as described.
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55We all had a blast!! This was my first sniff spot adventure and it was really perfect. The host was very kind and welcoming and directed me to the right entrance. My dogs loved the ponds and running around the trails and of course rolling in the dirt. It has been a long time since I haven’t had to remain continuously vigilante keeping an eye out for other dogs so it was really relaxing for me too. So we ALL could enjoy the fun. Great spot, definitely recommend to for dogs who like swimmingAshley B.
Ashley B.
July 2024
We all had a blast!! This was my first sniff spot adventure and it was really perfect. The host was very kind and welcoming and directed me to the right entrance. My dogs loved the ponds and running around the trails and of course rolling in the dirt. It has been a long time since I haven’t had to remain continuously vigilante keeping an eye out for other dogs so it was really relaxing for me too. So we ALL could enjoy the fun. Great spot, definitely recommend to for dogs who like swimming
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55My dogs had such a fun time exploring. We went on some trails but it sure was hot today so we hung out under the trees and my large dog had fun in the pond to cool off. I would love to visit again!Rebecca F.
Rebecca F.
July 2024
My dogs had such a fun time exploring. We went on some trails but it sure was hot today so we hung out under the trees and my large dog had fun in the pond to cool off. I would love to visit again!
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55The hosts were very nice and the dogs loved using the big pond. We were very happy to also have access to their hose as the boys got themselves very dirty.
Shared yard with the family, so keep that in mind. My Labrador loved saying hello and watching the kiddos play. Paige N.
Paige N.
July 2024
The hosts were very nice and the dogs loved using the big pond. We were very happy to also have access to their hose as the boys got themselves very dirty.
Shared yard with the family, so keep that in mind. My Labrador loved saying hello and watching the kiddos play.
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55Such a cool spot! We really enjoyed the trails. The location was easy to get to with the directions on Apple Maps. Google Maps for some reason showed me a location in the middle of nowhere… just in case that helps anyone else. My pups loved running up and down the trail! Kristiene G.
Kristiene G.
August 2024
Such a cool spot! We really enjoyed the trails. The location was easy to get to with the directions on Apple Maps. Google Maps for some reason showed me a location in the middle of nowhere… just in case that helps anyone else. My pups loved running up and down the trail!
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55The space was great. I got a bit confused at first so defiantly parked in the wrong section but figured it out easily enough. The little “hike” was fun and when they say the trees stop the wandering pup they’re not wrong! Thank you so much for sharing the space with us!!
Just make sure to check your pup for pests when you leave. Karalyn R.
Karalyn R.
July 2024
The space was great. I got a bit confused at first so defiantly parked in the wrong section but figured it out easily enough. The little “hike” was fun and when they say the trees stop the wandering pup they’re not wrong! Thank you so much for sharing the space with us!!
Just make sure to check your pup for pests when you leave.
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55An out of the way getaway! I went with my 9lb chihuahua and definitely overestimated her willingness to go hiking in the sun… even though she’s been perfectly happy to do so for 2+ hours before.
What does this place not have! 3 little ponds and a baby creek for the dogs to splash around and play. One of them has a lot of duckweed(?) and my water-resistant girl still went up and sniffed it, lol! Lots of trees around the grassy front lawn and mini trails around the ponds. There is a trail that goes up a hill, but it was unshaded and my girl just did not want to go up, but I heard there are some great views up there.
My girl really enjoyed being able to sniff around off leash, chase lizards and birds, etc. She also encountered a little frog for the first time! Soooo cute (the frog was unharmed, just followed by a curious snout).
Krista gave very detailed instructions to help me find the place and I needed every one of those details! One thing I just want to emphasize is there may be a gate that says “PRIVATE ROAD - No Trespassing - Residents Only” and that gate needs to be opened by you if it is closed (there is no lock). Krista gives instructions regarding this gate but since her home also has an additional gate, it may be slightly confusing!
There are chickens in a completely enclosed coop but they were the most well-behaved chickens I have ever seen, especially when my curious pup went up to them. No squawking; a little clucking/muttering among them. The chickens are bigger than my dog though so once she saw one of them move slightly towards her, she ran away, haha!
Highly recommended location, lots of little wildlife for mental stimulation which is my primary purpose!Anna D.
Anna D.
August 2024
An out of the way getaway! I went with my 9lb chihuahua and definitely overestimated her willingness to go hiking in the sun… even though she’s been perfectly happy to do so for 2+ hours before.
What does this place not have! 3 little ponds and a baby creek for the dogs to splash around and play. One of them has a lot of duckweed(?) and my water-resistant girl still went up and sniffed it, lol! Lots of trees around the grassy front lawn and mini trails around the ponds. There is a trail that goes up a hill, but it was unshaded and my girl just did not want to go up, but I heard there are some great views up there.
My girl really enjoyed being able to sniff around off leash, chase lizards and birds, etc. She also encountered a little frog for the first time! Soooo cute (the frog was unharmed, just followed by a curious snout).
Krista gave very detailed instructions to help me find the place and I needed every one of those details! One thing I just want to emphasize is there may be a gate that says “PRIVATE ROAD - No Trespassing - Residents Only” and that gate needs to be opened by you if it is closed (there is no lock). Krista gives instructions regarding this gate but since her home also has an additional gate, it may be slightly confusing!
There are chickens in a completely enclosed coop but they were the most well-behaved chickens I have ever seen, especially when my curious pup went up to them. No squawking; a little clucking/muttering among them. The chickens are bigger than my dog though so once she saw one of them move slightly towards her, she ran away, haha!
Highly recommended location, lots of little wildlife for mental stimulation which is my primary purpose!
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55This was such a cool spot for my pup to explore! It was very shady and had cool hills, streams, bridges and even a tree house! Ace usually tires quickly with the heat but he wanted to explore the whole hour and a half we were there and was even sad to leaveKelly L.
Kelly L.
August 2024
This was such a cool spot for my pup to explore! It was very shady and had cool hills, streams, bridges and even a tree house! Ace usually tires quickly with the heat but he wanted to explore the whole hour and a half we were there and was even sad to leave
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55This spot was incredible! The little trails were great to keep our dogs entertained and moving and the animals were awesome to look at! Would definitely love to come here again Kendra L.
Kendra L.
August 2024
This spot was incredible! The little trails were great to keep our dogs entertained and moving and the animals were awesome to look at! Would definitely love to come here again
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
552nd time back to this place and it’s just awesome. we’ll be coming back more often. great area to let your dog(s) run around and explore! Katerina F.
Katerina F.
August 2024
2nd time back to this place and it’s just awesome. we’ll be coming back more often. great area to let your dog(s) run around and explore!
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55This was a fun spot for dogs to explore off leash with a very welcoming family. However, some hazards to note are muddy/shallow water (in late summer), poison oak near water, ticks galore, and a cat wondering on property. Lots of short trails to explore and some shade as well. Clickstart D.
Clickstart D.
September 2024
This was a fun spot for dogs to explore off leash with a very welcoming family. However, some hazards to note are muddy/shallow water (in late summer), poison oak near water, ticks galore, and a cat wondering on property. Lots of short trails to explore and some shade as well.
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55Great area. My girls enjoyed so much being off leash, running around on the yard and on the trail. Beautiful views once you walk up the trail. Bruna B.
Bruna B.
September 2024
Great area. My girls enjoyed so much being off leash, running around on the yard and on the trail. Beautiful views once you walk up the trail.
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55My dogs had a blast running around and jumping in the water. It was great being able to walk around the whole property and letting them explore. The views from the top were very nice as well. Overall, my pups and I had a great time.Claudia M.
Claudia M.
September 2024
My dogs had a blast running around and jumping in the water. It was great being able to walk around the whole property and letting them explore. The views from the top were very nice as well. Overall, my pups and I had a great time.
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55We stayed for awhile at this spot, my pup loved it! Easy directions given to this place also. Downside, probably this time of year, is that the pond is pretty dried up and muddy. Otherwise a cool unique spot. Shanks loved looking at the chickens!Andrea D.
Andrea D.
September 2024
We stayed for awhile at this spot, my pup loved it! Easy directions given to this place also. Downside, probably this time of year, is that the pond is pretty dried up and muddy. Otherwise a cool unique spot. Shanks loved looking at the chickens!
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55Such a peaceful morning walk with my pups. The location was easy to find. Several path options to keep the dogs busy. So grateful to have a safe and beautiful place to let my dogs explore without worry. Brooke T.
Brooke T.
October 2024
Such a peaceful morning walk with my pups. The location was easy to find. Several path options to keep the dogs busy. So grateful to have a safe and beautiful place to let my dogs explore without worry.
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55Hosts- accommodating and very kind
Property- The directions she gives to the place are very accurate. The spot was perfect for my two pups to roam, run, sniff and just be dogs! The chickens are secured and it was nice to feel safe allowing my dogs to sniff and be curious about them. We will be back!Kelly M.
Kelly M.
October 2024
Hosts- accommodating and very kind
Property- The directions she gives to the place are very accurate. The spot was perfect for my two pups to roam, run, sniff and just be dogs! The chickens are secured and it was nice to feel safe allowing my dogs to sniff and be curious about them. We will be back!
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55A lovely, quiet place that Lucy loved to run around. We did a little bit of the hike but it was a bit warmer than we expected. So we did end up staying in the front due to some work being done in the back area but we didn’t mind at all since the front had plenty of shade🙂 and it gave us a chance to train Lucy.KereeMarie M.
KereeMarie M.
October 2024
A lovely, quiet place that Lucy loved to run around. We did a little bit of the hike but it was a bit warmer than we expected. So we did end up staying in the front due to some work being done in the back area but we didn’t mind at all since the front had plenty of shade🙂 and it gave us a chance to train Lucy.
Kandi's Private Dog Park In Vista/San Marcos | Sniffspot
55This place was amazing and my pup had the best time! There's tons and tons of land for him to explore and be off leash. We shut the gate in the front so that it was fully fenced in and didn't have to worry about him at all. We walked through some of the trails and he got to explore and get all his energy out. The hosts were very responsive and helpful. We will definitely be back!mckenna s.
mckenna s.
October 2024
This place was amazing and my pup had the best time! There's tons and tons of land for him to explore and be off leash. We shut the gate in the front so that it was fully fenced in and didn't have to worry about him at all. We walked through some of the trails and he got to explore and get all his energy out. The hosts were very responsive and helpful. We will definitely be back!
How do Vista's private dog hiking trails work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our Vista dog hiking trails
Are dog hiking trails safe?
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, inattentive owners, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks are much safer than a city or county park. With a Sniffspot off-leash area all bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog. 93% of reviews on Sniffspot visits are 5 stars. Our hiking trails tend to be outside the city, which lends to more privacy, but it is also important to follow typical hiking safety precautions, such as potentially having trail maps.
How do I know if a dog hiking trail works for my dog?
Sniffspot provides the tools to find the ideal spot. Start by applying basic filters, such as fencing 6 feet tall and distractions, to find a dog park with trails that works for your dog. You can also filter by size if you are looking for a certain acre park, an expansive off-leash dog park. If your dog doesn't have good recall, you can visit one of our fully fenced dog hiking trails. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our dog hiking trails where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. Since you are looking for trails, make sure to check photos to see if it the spot has flat trails or gnarly trails. You can also browse by specific amenities, if you are looking for a view or a beach, for instance, or other activities or fun features. You can check whether the spot has off or on street parking, the regular park hours, whether it has paved trails or a modern restroom.
What are the requirements to bring my dog to a Sniffspot dog hiking trail?
In order to hike the trails, we require that all dogs have basic vaccinations or equivalent titers. We do not permit dogs with a bite history. We require that guests sign our waiver and agree to follow our safety rules.
Will there be other dogs at the Sniffspot hiking trail at the same time as me?
Sniffspot only allows one booking at a time and any host dogs are required to be kept away from the spot during visits. We also enforce 30 min time buffers between bookings.
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