Pinos Altos is in the Gila National Forest. The town began in 1860 when Thomas Birch, Colonel Snively and Hicks, stopped to for a drink in Bear Creek and discovered gold.
The main street of Pinos Altos looks like an old town seen in western movies. Many of the old buildings were constructed in the 1800's. The old buildings have been restored and decorated with original furnishings.
We also toured Fort Cobre (a 3/4 scale replica of Santa Rita Del Cobre Fort which was located just east of Silver City, NM), some museums (one is in a log cabin and was the first area school house) and other historical sites. Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House is really unique--it is decorated with memorabilia, including photographs, from the 1800s. Panning for gold was also fun.