Join us as we hike to one of San Diego’s Hidden Secrets - the mysterious Mushroom House. The Bell Pavillion (also known as the Mushroom House) was built & designed in 1965 by Dale Naegle for Sam Bell of Bell’s Potato Chips. Bell had purchased a summer home overlooking the Pacific Ocean and wanted to add a guest house on the water.
A 300 ft. tramway from the main house to the guest house was constructed first, necessary for developing access to the beach. That guest house, nicknamed the Mushroom House due to its shape, is currently abandoned and you cannot enter it.
Description:
Park at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and meet at the Cliff Hanger Cafe @ 10 am. We will hike down the short but steep Citizen’s Trail (375’ elevation) to the beach, and head South along the beach until we reach the Mushroom House. Round trip back to the top off the trail is about 2.5 miles.
Note: Once we reach the beach at the bottom of Citizen’s Trail, the clothing-optional Black’s Beach is to the North. We will be hiking South, although what you do afterwards is your own business :)
Optional: After the hike, we can lunch together at the Cliff Hanger Cafe and watch the Paragliders and Hang Gliders. We might get lucky and see the Raptor Experience.
REGISTER HERE
Date: Sunday Feb 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 am - 11:30am, optional lunch afterwards.
Location: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037. Meet at the Cliff Hanger Café. There is plenty of parking.
Difficulty: Moderate coastal walk with a short but steep trail to/from the parking lot to the beach.
Who’s welcome: Cornellians, friends, and family.
What to wear & bring: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, hiking poles if concerned about slippery rocks or steep steps.
Questions? Contact Ted at ted_shafer@yahoo.com or Natalie at cornellclubsdevents@icloud.com
Wear Cornell attire (or red shirt, hat) or get your CCSD t-shirt here: https://cornellclubsd.itemorder.com/shop/home/