A hiker discovered a body in an abandoned vehicle in an unincorporated area near Milpitas late Friday.

The gender, age and cause of death were not released, pending the outcome of an autopsy early this week, Santa Clara County sheriff's officials said.

The body was reported at about 5 p.m. Friday near Calaveras Boulevard at Felter Road, but because of poor lighting and rough terrain homicide detectives were unable to investigate until Saturday morning.

The preliminary investigation showed no signs of foul play. It was unknown how long the body had been in the car, said sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Rick Sung.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Sgt. Herman Leon or Sgt. Paula McAllister at (408) 808-4500 or the anonymous tip line at (408) 808-4431.