Bulging Puke stands as a gritty test of skill and endurance on the Eastern Royal Arches in Yosemite National Park, drawing climbers who seek a blend of aid and traditional climbing with a significant length under their harness. Spanning 12 pitches and stretching approximately 1,400 feet skyward, this route holds a raw, unpolished character defined by patches of grass and brush that push you to engage with the rock in a way few other climbs demand. Approaching the climb, the sun casts a strong presence here, baking the granite and signaling the need for ample hydration and sun protection to prevent overheating during the push.

Late fall presents the best window to venture onto Bulging Puke, when spring runoff has subsided and slime-coated cracks are less prevalent. The route challenges you with a diverse range of climbing styles: bolt ladders, dirty corners, and tricky aid sequences punctuated by free climbing sections rated up to 5.12. While it technically climbs free around 13a A0, attempting to free all sections without prior clearing is an exercise in frustration. For those aiming to free the crux pitches, expect to do some serious "gardening," removing stubborn vegetation to reveal the genuine crack structures beneath.

Each pitch tells a story of careful movement and strategic gear placements. The initial pitches involve negotiating dirty corners and bolt ladders that reward cautious aid climbing. Pitch 4 demands attention with its mandatory free moves on loose rock and high fall potential, making it both a crux and a reminder to respect the granite’s quirks. Mid-route, pitches like 6 and 7 challenge you with steep cracks, chossy seams, and a few carefully placed hooks that test your composure.

The line winds past Angel Ledge and ascends blocky terrain where the mix of aid and free techniques is key. After navigating through a big roof section on pitch 8 using fixed gear, you face some less-than-glamorous low angle, dirty cracks that underline the route’s gritty nature before reaching the big corner on pitch 10 that rewards solid free climbers with thrilling climbing.

The finish offers multiple approaches: a demanding offwidth that leads to an A3 seam, or a more straightforward leftward traverse on a thin arching flake, both culminating in a challenging but rewarding final pitch that blends technical crack climbing with strong aid. Protection is varied and must cover a wide spectrum—from tiny micros to large cams in the 0.3" to 4.5" range, including offsets and a handful of fixed hardware like beaks and hooks to handle tricky placements and chossy sections.

Approach the climb with a mindset ready for variable conditions and a route that remains rough around the edges. The combination of vegetation-filled cracks, sun exposure, and delicate gear scenarios means this route rewards those who come prepared for both physical and mental resilience. The descent requires attention and care but delivers a full experience of Yosemite’s iconic climbing terrain, from the bustling Valley floor to quiet high granite walls.

Whether you approach Bulging Puke as a technical challenge or a bold adventure into aid climbing history, it demands respect, preparation, and a willingness to partner with the mountain in all its raw, evolving form.