Whitehawk Ranch occupies high-elevation terrain in the northern Sierra Nevada near Clio, California, approximately thirty miles northwest of Truckee. Dick Bailey designed the course in the late 1990s, routing it through a mountain meadow setting at roughly 4,500 feet above sea level. The property sits within a larger residential and recreational development, with the course serving as the centerpiece amenity for the community. The layout takes advantage of the natural contours and features of the Sierra landscape, incorporating native grasses, ponderosa pines, and seasonal creeks into the design. The relatively open meadow character allows for wide playing corridors in places, though Bailey introduced strategic bunkering and utilized the property's elevation changes to create variety in shot requirements. Views extend across the surrounding mountain ranges, and the high-altitude setting means the course typically operates on a seasonal schedule, closing during winter months when snow covers the region. Whitehawk Ranch functions primarily as a semi-private facility, serving both members and daily-fee players during the golf season. The course attracts golfers visiting the northern Sierra region, offering a mountain golf experience distinct from the resort courses closer to Lake Tahoe. The remote location and elevation contribute to a quieter, less crowded atmosphere compared to more heavily trafficked mountain destinations in the area.