To the editors: My suggestion to make Half Dome safer is to remove the cables. Not just for part of the year, as is done now, but all year round. (“After young woman falls to her death in Yosemite National Park, Half Dome’s risks are on everyone’s mind,” August 8)

Driving more wooden slats into the rock would only make the situation worse and make the rock more unsightly. It would also give climbers a false sense of security.

Half Dome is dangerous. And that’s a good thing. National parks are not Disneyland, they are part of nature. And there are dangers in nature too. Visitors cannot expect to be completely safe, especially when climbing a nearly vertical rock face.

It is tragic that a young woman fell to her death while descending Half Dome and her father watched her die. He is in my heart. But we should not commemorate her death by trying to subjugate Half Dome and national parks in general. Wild places, even semi-wild places, are good for the soul.

To make the Half Dome safer, remove the cables.

Connie Stewart, Santa Monica

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To the editors: Your article seems to suggest that Yosemite National Park is responsible for making the climb to the summit of Half Dome safer.

In my opinion, adding additional wooden slats to the route would not eliminate the significant inherent risk of the climb, especially when the steep granite gets wet.

Having climbed the Half Dome ropes twice before, I join thousands of other successful climbers who have completed the trip safely. All experienced outdoor enthusiasts know that the climb involves significant risks and proceed with extreme caution in threatening weather.

I can understand why Yosemite officials have not responded to your request for comment on the cable redesign. The only effective solution is to remove them completely and permanently, as the park does most of the year. If your article generates a significant response, that could unfortunately be the result.

I say all this with deep sympathy for Grace Rohloff’s father and her entire family. What a tragic loss.

Robert James Riewerts, Los Angeles

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To the editors: In 1978, at age 27, I was an experienced climber and wilderness guide. I wore Vibram-soled climbing shoes, no harness, and no gloves as I effortlessly climbed the Half Dome ropes.

I don’t see any problem with the cables today. Climbing the cables is not dangerous in any way. The danger is that inexperienced people attempt a climb that is far beyond their abilities.

Two unbreakable climbing rules when climbing a peak are: be prepared and know when to turn back. The problem with ropes is that people break these rules.

Individuals who violate these rules pose a danger to themselves and other climbers. The real danger at Half Dome is that individuals who are unprepared, frightened, exhausted, and obviously overwhelmed will not turn back.

Leave the cables alone. Screen permit applicants more carefully, as the danger lies with some of them, not the cables.

Bill Smart, Santa Barbara

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To the editors: Every death on Half Dome is a tragedy.

Hiking the last quarter of the Quartz Monzonite Batholith trail is dangerous. Anyone considering it should be advised that it is a long, difficult hike that ends with a challenging and, yes, somewhat dangerous final quarter-mile climb.

Adding more footholds would not significantly increase safety. Leave Half Dome as it is.

Williams GP, Pasadena

This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.