By Fair Means offers climbers a focused burst of technical trad climbing on an 80-foot, single pitch route that demands precision and a steady nerve. Found in the rugged Truckee River Canyon along California’s Lake Tahoe, this climb situates you just right of the striking "Jamolator," a bold 5.12 challenge. The route begins with a distinctive crack that invites careful gear placements up to 3 inches before forcing the climber through a demanding small roof roughly 25 feet above the start. From there, the climb veers gently left to reach the common anchor system shared with "Jamolator" and "Nipples That Cut Glass," providing a natural finish point. The rock here has a rough personality, offering solid holds but requiring thoughtful footwork to maintain momentum.

This climb is best approached with medium to large cams and a confident crack climbing toolkit. Protection opportunities are straightforward but expect to test your placements under the pump of the roof section, which acts as a crux and rewards climbers who keep calm and deliberate. The Truckee River Canyon setting provides an immersive alpine-feeling backdrop where the cool air from the river below mingles with sunlit granite. The wall faces enough sun during the day to warm hands on cooler mornings but remains approachable in warmer months, making spring and fall the ideal climbing windows.

Getting here involves a transitional approach that dips into a forest pathway before reaching the cliff base. The trail is moderately maintained yet requires attention to footing, especially when carrying gear. With only one short pitch, By Fair Means is perfect for climbers seeking a concise challenge with technical demands and solid rock quality. After the climb, the canyon offers peaceful river views and quiet spots to unwind, extending the adventure beyond the vertical. Whether you're honing crack skills or looking to push into harder 5.10 terrain, this route holds value in its clarity—the climbing is direct, the moves pure, and the setting inspiring.