Three-dimensional ray tracing of Z mode radiation from sources in the auroral zone has been performed. A plasma model which includes a background ambient plasma, plasmasphere, and an optional region of field-aligned current is used. In the source region the waves are assumed to be excited by the cyclotron maser mechanism for frequencies f≲fg (where fg is the electron gyrofrequency) and for wave normal angles in the range 83¿<&psgr;<90¿; we have also considered cases when the source region was located near the center of a region of field-aligned current. A number of different altitudes and a range of different field lines are used. In addition, we examine cases unrestricted by the cyclotron maser mechanism. Our results indicate that propagation is primarily perpendicular to the magnetic field line (horizontal propagation) for almost all sources considered, except when the wave source is assumed to be unrestricted by the cyclotron maser mechanism (f/fg<0.9; and &psgr;<80¿). While the propagation is initially downward, refraction rapidly increases the wave normal angle, and only propagation at near-constant altitudes occurs. While smaller wave normal angles (&psgr;~84) produce more downward propagation, the frequency bandwidth estimated from the ray paths is found to be less than that observed by DE 1. Large horizontal magnetic field gradients associated with field-aligned currents produce downward propagation, but still not sufficient to produce the observed bandwidths. These results indicate that wave growth may be due to mechanisms in addition to cyclotron maser resonance. In order to produce the observed bandwidth (Δf/fg~0.5), it is necessary that f/fg be as low as 0.7 and &psgr; be as low as 75¿.