Citizen Fish presents a straightforward yet rewarding trad climb located just right of the easier Honeybucket route at Honeyfish Rock in Joshua Tree National Park. This single-pitch 5.8 offers an accessible challenge for climbers seeking a brief, solid crack to ascend in one go. As you step onto the base, the rock’s rough texture asserts itself beneath your fingers, characteristic of the desert’s ancient granite. The initial section weaves past a single bolt, a reassuring fixed piece in an otherwise traditional line. From there, the crack draws you upward, inviting sustained hand and finger jams, demanding steady foot placement on the gritty rock. The sun bleaches the landscape around you, cracking the vast blue above while the desert air hums with the occasional whisper of the wind through sparse brush. This climb balances simplicity and exposure well—it’s neither a marathon nor a sprint, but a pulse-quickening move or two appear just beyond the bolt.

Protection here is straightforward but requires attentiveness. Gear placements up to 2 inches will suffice, allowing near-complete greenpointing except for the lone 3/8" bolt mid-route that acts as both security and checkpoint. The approach from White Tank Campground is short and dry, wrapping through classic Joshua Tree scrub with clear trails and minimal elevation gain—around 10 to 15 minutes to the base. Timing your climb to early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the brutal midday heat that can sap energy quickly on this exposed wall.

This route suits those looking for a clean, quick trad pitch without the complexity of multi-pitch logistics. There’s a sense of immediacy as you negotiate the crack, paired with an unfiltered desert ambiance. Whether as a warm-up or a standalone challenge, Citizen Fish delivers a dose of desert climbing with honest exposure and efficient movement. Pack your trusted cams, wear sticky shoes, and carry plenty of water to match the desert’s dry demands. Though the climb is moderate in length, the heat and sun exposure require respect and planning.

In Joshua Tree’s vast climbing realm, Citizen Fish stands out for its no-frills appeal and solid rock quality. Your reward is a swift adventure where the crack’s pulse guides your ascent, framed by open sky and rugged terrain surrounding Honeyfish Rock. This climb is a perfect introduction to trad climbing’s technical aspects or a crisp desert outing that complements longer sessions nearby.