About Arrastra Interpretive Site
Arrastra Interpretive Site, on the Silver City RD, is located adjacent to NM Hwy 15. The arrastra was a primitive crusher/mill used in old time mining operations. It was horse/mule powered and used the action of grindstones to process the rock extracted from gold mining. The interpretive site has a reproduction of the original arrastra and a couple of interpretive panels that identify the location of the gold mine at that site as well as explaining the arrastra and the process used to separate the ore from the rock.There is parking and a short path to the arrastra. There are a handful of signs and a couple of stone benches. It is a day-use only site. Parking area also provides access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (Trail #74) on the Gila National Forest. No fees, restrooms or water.
