How to Use the Free Big Bear Trolley

Overview



Getting around Big Bear Lake is easier than many visitors realize — especially thanks to the free Big Bear Trolley, operated by Mountain Transit. Since rideshares like Uber and Lyft can be limited or unavailable in the mountains, the trolley is one of the most convenient and stress-free ways to explore the area. It’s clean, easy to use, and best of all, completely free for riders.

How the Free Big Bear Trolley Works

The Big Bear Trolley runs several routes around town, connecting popular spots like The Village, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, the Alpine Zoo, the Convention Center, and local marinas.

You can find route maps and real-time bus tracking on the Mountain Transit website. The trolleys are color-coded (Red, Blue, and Gold lines), making it simple to match the route to your destination.

• Red Line: Loops through The Village, Snow Summit, and the Interlaken Center (with shopping and restaurants).
• Blue Line: Travels between Bear Mountain, the Moonridge Zoo, and Meadow Park areas.
• Gold Line: Covers the East Valley, including Big Bear City and the Convention Center.

Trolleys generally run every 30–60 minutes, depending on the route and season.

How Tourists Can Use It Best

If you’re visiting without a car, or you’d rather not deal with parking, the trolley can save you a lot of hassle. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Exploring The Village: Park once at your hotel or a larger lot, then take the trolley to The Village for shopping, dining, or nightlife.
• Getting to the Slopes: Hop on the Red or Blue Line for direct stops near Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. It’s a great way to avoid parking headaches on busy ski days.
• Visiting the Zoo or Moonridge: The Blue Line takes you right to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, one of the town’s must-see attractions.
• Lake Days: Use the Red Line to reach popular marinas like Pine Knot Landing or Big Bear Marina without worrying about finding a parking spot near the water.
• Events & Festivals: During Oktoberfest or summer events at the Big Bear Convention Center, the Gold Line is a convenient and safe way to get there and back.

Tips for Using the Trolley

• Check the schedule: Routes and times can vary seasonally, especially in winter. Visit mountaintransit.org for the latest maps and times.
• Look for the stop signs: Each official stop is clearly marked with the Big Bear Trolley logo — just wait on the sidewalk and wave when the trolley approaches.
• Bundle errands: Because routes run in loops, plan your outings around nearby stops to make the most of your time.
• Dress warmly: In colder months, bundle up while waiting — the mountain air gets chilly fast!

Why the Trolley Beats Rideshares

Unlike many resort towns, rideshare options in Big Bear are very limited. You might not find an available driver, especially at night or during storms. The trolley, on the other hand, runs reliably year-round, and it’s completely free. It’s also a fun way to enjoy the mountain scenery while letting someone else do the driving.

Final Thoughts



The free Big Bear Trolley makes getting around the lake simple, affordable, and even enjoyable. Whether you’re heading to the ski slopes, strolling through The Village, or taking the kids to the zoo, the trolley connects it all — no car, no stress, no parking headaches.

Next time you visit Big Bear Lake, grab the map, hop aboard, and see how easy it is to explore like a local.