Wild Nevada: New Season Premiere | PBS Reno

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Wild Nevada’s New Season Promises Exploration of History, Adventure, and Natural Beauty

Nevada’s diverse landscapes and rich history take centre stage in the upcoming season of “Wild Nevada,” offering viewers a compelling journey through the state’s hidden gems. Premiering December 18, 2025, the seven-episode arc, hosted by Chris Orr, will delve into everything from prehistoric fossils to historic mining routes and breathtaking natural wonders.

From Snow-Capped Peaks to Ancient History: A Season of Contrasts

The season kicks off with Episode #801: Backcountry Snow, airing December 18, 2025, at 8pm. This episode focuses on the winter wonderland surrounding the Tahoe area, showcasing activities like cross-country skiing at Nevada Nordic, the thrilling sport of skijoring, and snowshoeing in Johnson Canyon with stunning views of Donner. Viewers will also receive crucial details on snow season safety from the Sierra Avalanche Center.

– Skijoring, a winter sport combining skiing and being pulled by a horse or dogs, has roots in Scandinavian countries and was popularized in the American West.

Just thirty minutes later,at 8:30pm,Episode #802: Prehistoric Southern Nevada transports audiences to a vastly different environment. Orr explores the region surrounding Ice Age Fossils State Park near North Las Vegas and ventures into Death Valley National Park, uncovering the prehistoric history of Southern Nevada. The episode also highlights innovative recreational opportunities offered by the Nevada State Parks Foundation, Las Vegas Brewing Company, and Tarantula Ranch Camp.

– Ice Age Fossils State Park preserves fossils of mammoths, camels, and other animals that roamed Southern Nevada during the Pleistocene epoch.

Rivers, Railroads, and Remnants of the Past

The new year brings further exploration with Episode #803: Carson River to Hot Spring, premiering January 8, 2026, at 8pm.This installment follows Orr along the Carson River Park trails, showcasing wildflowers in the Prison Hill Recreation Area and a tour of the historic Nevada State Prison. The journey culminates with a trek to the East Fork of the Carson River south of Markleeville, California.

– Nevada State Prison, operational from 1862 to 2000, housed notorious criminals and offered tours after its closure, showcasing its complex history.

January 15, 2026, features Episode #804: Panaca and Kershaw-Ryan, which traces the path of early immigrants in southeastern Nevada. Orr begins at Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Park before visiting the historic community of Panaca and the gardens and trails of Kershaw-Ryan State Park near Caliente. This episode promises a glimpse into the region’s scenic beauty and pioneering past.

– Panaca, Nevada, was founded in 1869 by Mormon pioneers and initially operated as a self-sufficient agricultural community.

Episode #805: Yerington to Walker Lake, airing January 22, 2026, at 8pm, focuses on the historic and cultural offerings of Yerington. Orr then explores the unique views of Walker Lake and the surrounding scenery of Weber Reservoir and the Walker Basin.

– Walker Lake is a remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, which once covered much of western Nevada during the Pleistocene epoch.

Gold Rush History and Remote landscapes

The season continues with Episode #806: Kingsbury Grade and Sierra County, premiering January 29, 2026, at 8pm. This episode delves into the history of Kingsbury Grade, a historic route once used to access gold fields in the Sierra Nevada. Orr then visits the Tahoe community of Stateline and Van SickleBi-State Park, followed by an exploration of Henness Pass, Webber Lake, Perazzo Meadows, and a hike up Mount Lola in Sierra County, California.

– Henness Pass, a historic route through the Sierra Nevada, was a key transportation corridor during the Gold Rush era, connecting california and Nevada.

Episode #807: Lovelock and rye Patch Reservoir, airing February 5, 2026, at 8pm, takes viewers to the community of Lovelock