This was my 3rd hike into the Inner Basin; great summer hike -- always cool. Instead of taking the road (main trail) up to Jack's Spring we took a trail we found to the east (perhaps 3/4 mile from trailhead?). It was more scenic than the road. See photos. The connection is with the Waterline Road (which nearly encircles the peaks). When you hit the Waterline road you are only a few hundred yards east of Jack's Spring.

The climb up the road is gradual ... at a lower altitude this would be a moderate hike ... but the elevation slows me down a bit. The trail we took to the east is a bit steeper until you hit the Waterline road.