Historic Pinos Altos (Tall Pines) is located just six miles north of Silver City on NM 15 at an elevation of 7040 feet. Nestled into the Gila National Forest, the town began in 1860 when three frustrated 49-ers, Thomas Birch, Colonel Snively and another guy named Hicks, stopped to take a drink in Bear Creek and discovered gold.

The Main Street of this charming old gold-mining town is like an old western movie set. Many of the old buildings date back to the 1800’s and Visitors can soak up the rich history with our museums and other historical sites; enjoy great food and entertainment (including melodrama theatre); enrich themselves with fine contemporary Southwestern art; try their hand at gold panning; or simply delight in the beautiful mountain views of the Gila National Forest have been restored and decorated with original memorabilia and artifacts.