In the next several weeks, LAist will embark on a series of hikes and present to you an ambitious 6-part photo essay. This is the third one. Here is parts 1, and 2.

Stunt Ranch is a 67-acre private UCLA reserve with public access to its trails. It is located on the north-central flank of the Santa Monica Mountains just outside of Malibu (4.5 miles North of). It was recently devastated by a wildfire in 1993 but has since recovered (as seen in these pictures) and is now used for research and education. It is dominated by Chaparral and Sage Scrub species.

GPS: 34 6' N Latitude, 118 39' W Longitude.

Photos continue after the jump.

Ecological Advisory: Dr. Philip W. Rundel, Ph.D, UCLA Department of Ecological & Evolutionary Biology
Photography: Henry David, LAist.com