Yosemite might remove cabins in area closed by falling rocks

Officials are taking steps to remove more than 70 historic cabins from an area of Yosemite National Park's popular Curry Village that was permanently closed after a series of rock falls in 2008.

Though no final decisions have been made on the fate of the buildings, an environmental report released Tuesday states that park officials want to remove the structures to "maximize safety for park visitors and employees and eliminate the need for administrative access to the closed area."

The buildings in question -- 72 cabins and six other structures -- are in an area that was deemed too dangerous for access after two major rock falls in October 2008 on Glacier Point, which looms above the camping spot known for its 1920s-era cabins. The first rock fall destroyed one cabin, and two days later, the second wreaked more havoc. Three people were injured and several cabins damaged by the rocks, which narrowly missed a group of young children who were on a field trip.

Most of the original 600 buildings were reopened after a temporary evacuation, but about one-third were closed permanently. The proposal addresses the remaining 78 structures, which are fenced off in a designated "rock fall hazard zone."

Still, the buildings draw curious visitors who hop the fence to get a closer look, park officials said.