Pinos Altos is a census-designated place in Grant County, New Mexico, United States.

The community was a mining town, formed in 1860 following the discovery of gold in the nearby Pinos Altos Mountains.

The town site is located about five to ten miles north of the present day Silver City.

[5] From the discovery of gold in 1860 until late 1861, miners were harassed by Apache Indians opposed to American and Mexican settlers occupying their lands.

This battle did not end the conflict between settlers and Native Americans, which continued for several years, with neither side particularly willing to see the dispute resolved peacefully.