On the south face of Zippy Rock in Joshua Tree National Park, a climb known simply as "Don't" waits quietly for the brave—or perhaps the curious—to test its unusual character. Approaching this route, the jagged desert landscape stretches wide beneath a sun-bleached sky, while creosote bushes whisper with the arid wind. "Don't" earns its name with every gritty foot placement on its pale slab, a surface that roughens under your hands like dried clay, demanding precision and patience. The wide crack at the start is perhaps a rare moment of relief before the slab challenges your balance and nerve with sparse but meaningful protection. Beware: the scattered bolts here seem less about safety and more about telling you—not encouraging, but warning—you that this is an ordeal.

This single-pitch, 50-foot climb might not dazzle with classic Joshua Tree grandeur, but it serves a unique purpose. For those who’ve scratched their heads on other questionable routes in the park, "Don't" sharpens perspective. The route tests your mindset as much as your technique, peeling away expectations with every deliberate move. Climbers report an almost comical humility upon topping out, not for the thrill of victory, but for surviving a route that doesn’t hide its difficulty or friction issues. From the cracked rock to the minimal placements, all play their part in a climbing experience that is as much a lesson in respect as it is a physical challenge.

Planning your ascent means preparing for the gritty texture under your fingertips and choosing gear that suits the questionable but potentially crucial crack placements—pro to 2.5 inches, supplemented by the five bolts that mark the way. These bolts, however, should be viewed as waypoints rather than secure anchors. The walk-off descent from the top offers time to reflect on the grit of the route, the desert’s endless horizon, and the strange satisfaction of having faced a climb that earned its name.

The environment around Zippy Rock is rugged and breathes a raw desert honesty. Joshua Tree’s scrubby vegetation and sun-washed stones echo in the quiet moments between moves, reminding you that here, every climb demands respect for the rock and the desert’s relentless elements. Timing your trip is best aimed for cooler parts of the day to avoid the blistering sun beating down on the light-colored face.

Whether you're looking to test your tolerance for unconventional challenges or simply want to add an unforgettable story to your climbing résumé, "Don't" on Zippy Rock offers a uniquely grounded experience. It’s no place for the faint-hearted, yet it rewards those who arrive with humility, preparation, and a readiness to engage with the desert’s sharp edges.